ADRĀVVŪN, Gujarati term for the Parsi betrothal ceremony (in Persian nāmzadī). Matches are generally arranged by the parents with the consent of the marriage partners, although now the latter often make their own selection after consulting the parents. For the betrothal, the solemn celebration of the marriage contract, an auspicious day is fixed (see D. Menant, Les Parsis, Paris, 1898, pp. 159-60). The essential part of the ceremony is the reciprocal exchange of jewelry, silver coins, and new sets of clothing. Nuptial songs are sung by the ladies of the two families. The couple then visits the fire temple to invoke the blessings of Ohrmazd, Fire (son of Ohrmazd), and the Amahraspand Ardebehešt. Henceforth the bride assumes the bridegroom’s name, and her name, in religious ceremonies, will always be connected with his.
Bibliography:
Modi, Ceremonies, p. 17.
(M. F. Kanga)
Originally Published: December 15, 1983
Last Updated: July 22, 2011
This article is available in print.
Vol. I, Fasc. 5, p. 471
M. F. Kanga, “ADRĀVVŪN,” Encyclopædia Iranica, I/5, p. 471; an updated version is available online at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/adravvun-gujerati-term-for-the-parsi-betrothal-ceremony-in-persian-namzadi (accessed on 28 February 2014).
