ARTS220: Comparative Analysis of Sikh Marriages in India, New Zealand

This report presents a comparative analysis of Sikh marriages in India and New Zealand, exploring the cultural, social, and religious aspects of these unions. The study employs a sociocultural anthropological framework, examining the impact of globalization, westernization, and changing social values on traditional practices. The research utilizes ethnographic methods, including participation-observation and literature review, to identify key differences in customs, rituals, and social implications. The report highlights the influence of economic factors, religious inclinations, and the incorporation of both universal and culturally diverse elements within Sikh marriage ceremonies. It contrasts traditional aspects with contemporary trends, such as the diminishing prevalence of arranged marriages and the adoption of westernized customs, while also considering the role of social norms and values. The conclusion emphasizes the balance between tradition and modernity, as well as the impact of different social settings and cultural influences on the institution of marriage.

Sikh Marriages in India
and New Zealand – A
Comparison
STUDENT’S NAME:
UNIVERSITY:

Introduction
 Marriage – A building block of family and society.
 Marriage as a subject matter of Anthropology–
1. Implications in personal life
2. Implications in society
 Wedding ceremonies– scope of exploring social and cultural aspects of
an ethnic group.

Overview
 Aim– To identify the differences in the culture, customs,
norms and social implications as observed in the Sikh
marriages in India and New Zealand.
 The traditional implications of Sikh marriage– religion
and customs
 Sikh community in New Zealand
 The changing nature of the institution of marriage in
the Sikh community
 Influence of social norms, customs, practices and
behavior of a foreign country

Background of the Research
 Sociocultural Anthropology-- an amalgamation of social and cultural
Anthropology, provides the scope of discussing the concept of
marriage.
 Core focus of sociocultural anthropology-- cultural diversity and
universalism (Scupin, 2016).
 Follows the methods of ethnography.

Research Method
 Research design-- Qualitative
 Research methodology– Ethnographic research
 Data collection method– Participation-observation method (primary
data) and Existing literature in the field (Secondary data)

Critical Thinking Framework
 Universalism and cultural diversity
 Examination of the social and cultural aspects of Sikh marriage and
wedding rituals
 Ethnographic documentation of wedding rituals and social implications
of Marriage in the Sikh ethnicity

Definition of Marriage
Traditional Definition of Marriage
 Marriage is social and legal sanction of the
union of a man and a woman to identify the
children born to the woman as the offspring of
the union and heir to that man.
 Marriage is an institution that legitimizes the
sexual relationship between a man and a
woman, ensuring commitment and
responsibility towards each other.
Source:
shesaidyes.com

Definition of Marriage
Anthropological Definition of Marriage
 Marriage is a culturally defined variable relationship between a male and a female
belonging to separate families, which legitimizes sexual intercourse and the identity of the
offspring.
 Marriage is a union that provides a set of rights to both the man and woman over each
other, as well as over the children born to the woman.
 Marriage is an assignment of obligation and responsibility for rearing and nurturing children
born to the couple, as well as enculturating them.
 Marriage is a union between two individuals, traditionally a man and a woman, that forges
significant bonds between families of the couple, which often involves social, political,
economic and cultural dimensions.
 It is also considered as the method through which cultural traditions are passed on to the
future generations of the participants (Peoples and Bailey 2011).

 Courtship
 Sexuality
 Social sanction
 Religious belief
 Customs
 Rituals
Ethnographic components in
marriage

Social aspects of Sikh marriage
 Endogamous
 Monogamous
 Religious in nature
 Arranged marriages
 Partnership between two equals.
 Indifferent to caste, class, social
status, lineage of spouse
 Dowry or child marriage is strictly
not allowed. Source: Getty Images

Sikh Weddings: Religious
Traditions and Rituals
Haldi- bride and groom are applied with
turmeric paste.
Mehendi- the bride gets her hands
painted by henna.
Sangeet- the families and the invitees
celebrate the wedding through song and
dance
Kurmai- the ring ceremony.
Ardas- chanting of religious prayers
Laavan- the wedding vows.
Kirtan- reacitation of religious scriptures.
Sagun- exchange of gift between the two
families.
Langar- serving of free meals in the
Gurdwara or the formal dinner.
Source: Getty Images

Sikh marriage: India vs. New
Zealand
Universal features in traditional
Sikh marriage
 Social and legal sanction for the
union of a man and a woman
 Starting a new family
 Performing social, domestic and
spiritual duties
 Religiousness of customs and norms
Source:: Pinterest