Shaadi Time
So heading to Buffalo today for my little cousin's wedding (well he's 27, so I only got 2 years on him. But damn, I definitely feelin the age now). Gotta love the shaadis! He happens to be marrying a white Catholic girl, so needless to say drama has been cooking for quite some time. I am excited, both for the wedding, and any drama that may simmer, brew, or explode. Is that a twisted way of looking at it? I don't think so. A wedding is a great occasion, and I say welcome to all things that make it all the more memorable! Besides, what wedding lacks drama? This just happens to be kicking it up a notch. Or this could be just another step in counteracting the negative East-West sentiment in the post 9/11 era, working towards a union of people, culture, and ideals. Or, as our elders seem to think, it could be a disaster. But alas, only time will tell! Though it's not like inter-religion (particularly Muslim-Christian) is not that uncommon as it used to be in our generation... I'm no super religious person, so I say do what makes you happy. Besides, given the stats, it's gonna happen to someone in your family (inter-religous marriage) if you're Muslims residing in the U.S.!
The Buffao portion is the bride's portion of the wedding, which happens to be taking place in a Church. The fam wasn't too happy with that, and as of now, my Cha-cha (Uncle, father of the groom), has refused to attend the Church portion of the wedding! And neither is my father because he has to back up his lil bro. I think aside from being upset about my cousin marrying a white Christian to begin with, he was upset that they opted not to choose "neutral ground", given that the religion was the biggest ordeal in this forbidden union. The "Paki portions" of the wedding will be the following week, with all the events being in people's houses. I suppose I see his point of view in the whole thing. Though I wonder if he will eventually break down and just go. They will all be in Buffalo, and are planning only to attend the reception, not step into the Church. But will they give in at the last minute? I'm curious to see... And on a side note, I thought the Catholic church could only marry 2 Catholic, am I mistaken? I wonder if the Priest knows this. This should be interesting indeed! Regardless, lets hope there is tasty food, free flowin champagne, and of course, hot bridesmades.
I leave with the latest song stuck in my head....
i was under the same impression (catholic on catholic marriage). interesting....
Posted by: terence | June 15, 2007 at 02:48 PM
That's hilarious Ali!
Having a mostly mixed family, (The Catholic Church's position is) a priest/minister can marry a Catholic with a non-Catholic partner. However, they have to agree that their children will be raised catholic and the catholic party is free to practise their faith.
Of course the kids usually don't end up practising anything really.
My cousin married a catholic man a few years ago, but the priest refused to baptizee their child becuase both parents were not catholic, and my maulana uncle refused to attend. The result a un-baptized, un-musalmanee baby. My mother freaked out... it was very funny.
It's a slipperly slope; mixed marriage.
At the end of the day, a church is a house of God, and you can lay down your ja-namaz to pray there, no one can stop you. Same for a mandir, and synagogue. There is no point fighting about these things at the cost of your child's happiness.
Life is short. Hope there's a free bar!
S
Posted by: Salacious Samosa | June 15, 2007 at 04:10 PM
ur poor cousin probably had to attend all of those catholic classes before the wedding!! Painful...for that reason alone, u should support him out of sympathy. btw - was in dubai last wk... your pics from before told me where to go and what to do. it was really nice :) good luck with the match.
Posted by: anita | June 17, 2007 at 02:36 PM