Knanaya Community - an endogamous community

By: Vinod Kuriakose
Submitted: 2007-08-27 13:37:39
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KNANAYA COMMUNITY - an endogamous community.Knanaya community is an endogamous community following Judeo-Christian traditions. Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a social group. Knananites practice endogamy very strictly as an inherent part of their moral values, traditions and religious beliefs. They are faithful to their original spirit. Their folk songs, dance, endogamy, various customs at marriage, funeral, passover and various occasions constitute Knanaya culture. Knanaya culture and traditions have been preserved and practiced up from generation to generation. They strictly adherence to Ten Commandments, seven sacraments, endogamy, harmony and devote life. Knananites follow customs and rituals as a continuation of ancient Jewish practices. Following customs and rituals distinguish Knananites from the native Christians.·The position of the bride standing on the right of the bridegroom during the wedding ceremony.·Burial of the dead to face East to Jerusalem·The priest's black velvet cap which is similar to the Jew's head gear, ·The "kiss of peace" ceremony during Eucharist.·The Knanaya marriage ceremony includes the bridal canopy that may be equivalent to the Jewish nuppah.·The ceremonial bathing on the eve of the wedding that may be parallel to the Jewish mikrah or ritual bath:·Singing of Old Testament songs on the eve and on the day of the wedding.

ADVANTAGES

Endogamy is a common practice among displanted cultures . The practice amoung Knananites has the following advantages.·Encourages “ Kna” affiliation and bonding. ·Helps to make roots in society and encourages group solidarity and ensures greater control over group resources. ·Preserves faith.·Facilitates marital compatibility.·A tradition to be proud of.

 
DISADVANTAGES

An endogamous community can face many problems.They are:·Endogamy can lead to a group's extinction rather than its survival.·An endogamous community’s numerical growth is limited and can remain as a minority.·Refusal to intermarry as well as to accept converts can dwindle the prospects of getting suitalbe brides and bridegrooms. ·The small gene pool of the endogamous community and the inbreeding can increase the frequency of detrimental rare varient in human metapopulations, leading to overall worsening of population health.Whatever be the disadvantage of Endogamy, Knananites will overcome all adverse situations to stay united and stick to their traditions and religious beliefs. Vinod Kuriakose VINOD KURIAKOSE-I hold a Post-graduate degree in Management and a Bachelor degree in Law. I am currently heading a portal in Chennai, India.

I'm positive about every aspect of life. My passion is PEOPLE . My writing touches on PEOPLE and PRINCIPLES in one-way or another.

I believe that people with their thinking, feeling, attitudes, emotions, imagination, etc are the symphony of this world.

Everything I do is to help me understand people.

What interests me in life is curiosity, challenges, the good fight with its victories and defeats. My favorite enjoyment is Visiting my parents in Ranni, Kerala, India.

There are lots more about me, in the unlikely event you're that interested. I invite you to visit my website http://vinodsite.b0x.com . I hope you will find something of interest to you.

I would appreciate a critique from you. I am continuously developing and improving my site. Your feedback will be of great help.

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