Wedding season and arranged marriage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01ebB7K5rTg
Traditionally in Kerala the Syrian Christians marry during certain period of the year.During 50 days of lent it is forbidden to marry though in some cases now a days allow it to happen but the food will be strictly Vegetarian which means only very few people will attend.Also 25 days before Christmas usually the marriages don't take place.Another time is 8 days before birthday of St.Mary ie.First week of September.Also from June to August second week the marriages are avoided as it is heavy monsoon season,but that is optional.So marriage amongst Syrian Christians take place from last week of December to February or March depending on the Lent date.Immediately after Easter till June.Then August second week to November end.However the period after Easter seems to be hectic marriage period as more relatives come from different parts of world due to summer vacation of their kids.
In the olden days marriage was almost a get together ceremony of all the relatives.It was a rule to compulsorily invite 10 of your neighbours who are your parish members.Besides all the relatives from fathers side and mothers side is invited.Usually the marriage proposal is brought in by the 'Broker'.He will have a list of girls and Boys willing to get married.So he would come and give a Bio data of Boy/Girl and also will show the photo.As a salesman he would tell lot of 'Good Qualities' about the girl,their family etc;Finally he will come to the most interesting part that is the share of the girl.His brokerage is usually 10% of the share amount from both sides.So that part is of great interest to him too.
I clarified to grandfather about this dowry part.Why should a girl pay when she is getting married to my uncle?Well, he told me with the logic of our forefathers on the share part.Amongst Syrian Christians we treat a boy at par with a girl.So I have 5 Children,3 Boys and 2 girls.I have 5 acres of Land.if I divide this 5 acres each acre will go to each child.But Syrian Christians being a patriarchal society we give the value of 1 acre land to my eldest daughter when she is married and value of another acre of land to my second daughter when she is married.Then 5 acre will be divided within my 3 sons and the house goes to the youngest as he is supposed to look after me.So that answered my question on Share part.
So all our relatives come to our house and help in preparation of different dishes as Catering companies were unheard of on those days.
The broker goes to girls parents and inform that such and such boy is interested.The parents would do primary enquiry about the nature,Qualification etc;of the boy and later come and request for the boy.Now,if accepted,boys parents will go and do the enquiry about girl.Once both the parties are satisfied an engagement is arranged and that is where the said share of the girl is given.Usually Engagement takes place at girls place and no.of people attending the count is taken because on the day of marriage the boys side would expect only 10 times the people who attended engagement besides as many people from boys side.