Cultural Conceptualization of Tamil Hindu Marriages

This study investigates the cultural conceptualization of marriage among Tamil Hindu communities in Australia and Malaysia. The Hindu cultural schema of marriage relates to the physical, social and spiritual aspects, and language acts as the central aspect of the cultural cognition of the community. Data is based on a variety of sources, particularly focus group discussions, translated verses from Hindu Holy Scriptures (Vedanta), and personal interviews. Findings show various cultural schemas entrenched within the marriage schema, particularly Vedic Astrology, Sacred Invocation and Blessings, which are shared knowledge among community members. The cultural schema of marriage (or vivaha) that is instantiated in the Vedanta considers marriage a religious obligation (Dharma). It is during social interactions that the cultural metaphors associated with marriage are discussed. marriage as a thousand-year crop and marriage as a journey are metaphorical expressions that illustrate the traditional worldview of the Tamil Hindu community.