The Shinto ceremony began with the two families being led into the wedding hall in two single-file lines. Each family sat at a long table, our backs against opposing walls so that we were facing each other. A priest playing a harmonica-like device signaled the arrival of the wedding couple, who were led to a pair of stools set in front of a small table between the two families and facing the shrine at the front of the hall. The shrine consisted of a small circular mirror suspended above an alter table with offerings of fruits, vegetables, a several porcelain vases (water? sand? sake?).
The priest presiding over the ceremony stepped up to the shrine and chanted a prayer, summoning the spirits and asking for their blessings, I presume. It was all in Japanese, of course, but I did catch the names of the wedding couple a few times. This went on for just a few minutes, five at most, and the couple signed a wedding pledge at the table in front of them. Two female attendants stepped up to them and, with great pomp and circumstance, served offerings of sake to each, which were then solemnly raised and taken. The two attendants then stepped down the line of family members, pouring a small offering of sake to each person. Once all were served, we stood, raised our glasses with both hands, and made the same solemn toast.
The wedding couple then moved to the front of the room, near the shrine, and rings were exchanged. With that, I presume the wedding was complete, but the ceremony concluded with the two families standing and each member present being introduced to the other family. And not more than thirty minutes after entering, we were led out of the hall and into the garden for pictures. Short, somber, and to the point.
After photos were taken, we were all led to a reception area, actually a pre-reception area, where we exchanged our shoes for slippers. Drinks and snacks were served as the guests gathered, about fifty in total, and we then proceeded to the tatami-floored reception hall, leaving our slippers at the door. Two long tables ran the length of the room, the immediate families of the couple at the back of the room so that the best seats were available for the guests. The wedding couple were applauded as they entered and they sat at a raised table at the front of the room.
The nine-course meal, interspersed with toasts and speeches by several friends and family members, lasted a couple of hours, and the evening concluded with formal thanks by the fathers of the bride and groom. A fine evening that wound down with a small, informal after-hours gathering in the hotel bar. Round one complete. Round two to take place in India a week later. That ought to be interesting, especially for the Japanese family members who will be attending. There will be much of the same ritual, but the chaos of an all-day event attended by several hundred guests will certainly be an experience for them!
