While some Americans apply mendhi, or henna, to all areas of the body as a decorative statement, students learned Thursday at Asian Wedding Planner that it is used in Indian cultures as preparation for a wedding.
"It's supposed to be applied to the bride's hands and feet before the wedding," event coordinator and telecommunication junior Aman Sidhu said. "The darker it is, the more love there is between the husband and wife."
The Asian Wedding Planner, held in the Erickson Hall Kiva showcased various wedding celebrations in Indian cultures and religions, provided students an understanding of the traditions, similarities and differences in each religion.
"People learn different important parts of Indian weddings that they didn't know before," said Terese Nguyen, a member of the Asian Pacific American Student Organization. "I think events like this are cool, because some Indian students may not be into their culture, and get to see what life would be like if they were in India."
The Asian Wedding Planner is one event in a series that celebrates Asian Pacific American heritage month.
"Asian Pacific American heritage month is supposed to be in May, but because we aren't in school then, we celebrate it in March and April," the general business administration and pre-law sophomore said. "There are a lot of little rituals in Indian cultures, and in our generation we see our grandparents doing all these rituals and we don't know what they mean.
"This event gives us an opportunity to learn about the different wedding traditions in Indian cultures."
While many Americans choose their bride or groom, Sidhu explained that according to the traditions of the Sikh religion, brides and grooms don't usually meet until the ceremony.
"Engagements are usually arranged," she said. "There is no Romeo and Juliet romance at all."
She also explained that brides take part in a Mayyian, or a cleansing process, prior to the ceremony.
"Before the wedding, people rub different things over the feet, face and hands of the bride to keep her cleansed on her wedding day," Sidhu said. "She also gets fed a lot of sweets."
In the Hindu religion, Sidhu explained that astrology plays a major role in the wedding ceremony.
"Before the wedding, the bride and groom go to a priest who determines what time and day is best for the wedding," she said.
Events such as the wedding planner allow a better understanding of the importance of diversity, finance freshman Kristi McClure said.
"It's interesting to know the rituals of the Indian cultures," she said. "Learning about other things allows people to approach subjects with more background."
