Matrimonial For The Deceased: From Karnataka To China, Know The Beliefs Behind This Tradition Of Ghost Marriages

A matrimonial ad looking for a 'spirit groom' for a girl who died 30 years ago, went viral on social media. The tradition behind this is a century-old system called ‘Kule Madime’ or ‘Pretha Maduve.’ Also known as ‘ghost wedding’ or ‘spirit wedding,’ the tradition with some differences is a part of a number of cultures in the world. Let us know about this bizarre custom in detail.

Matrimonial For The Deceased: Beliefs Behind The Tradition Of Ghost Marriages

Superstition or not, the traditional ceremony of ‘ghost marriages’ is famous under different names in different regions of the world like the coastal districts of South Karnataka and Udupi in Tulu Nadu, and China, for example, ‘Kule Madime,’ ‘Pretha Maduve,’ or ‘Chinese Ghost Wedding.’ This tradition is usually an extension of the belief in an afterlife. It is said that such traditions help the deceased lead a happy, satisfied afterlife and not be alone in the other world.

Dead Groom Wanted, Reads Matrimonial Ad In Karnataka

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Around a week ago, a family released a matrimonial advertisement in the local newspaper to perform the traditional ceremony. “Seeking a boy for a girl from Kulal caste and Bangera (gotra). The child died about 30 years ago. In case there is a boy of the same caste and different Bari, who died 30 years ago and the family is willing to perform Pretha Maduve,” the ad read, along with the contact information of the family.

Chinese Ghost Wedding

‘Chinese Ghost Weddings’ have been under the spotlight many times because of how deadly it can be. Many reports have come forward over time claiming that people were killed to be sold for being spouses of unmarried deceased people. This centuries-old practice is still followed in certain parts of China. The tradition is, again, based on the belief of providing a spouse to those who died unmarried in their afterlives.

Expert’s Opinion

The Tradition Of Kule Madime

Our expert, Shikkha Kukrejaa, a Tarot Reader, Healer, and Counsellor shed some light on the tradition of Kule Madime and explained, “Those who die in childbirth, are married off to another child who is deceased during childbirth.. The ceremony is conducted for children who have died as infants or were not yet adults. It is performed once child reaches a marriageable age known as spirit weddings… The wedding ceremony is conducted like a regular wedding as people believed that the departed individuals are not truly dead but continue to exist among the living spirits. By Such spiritual weddings, families try to keep departed soul happy and in peace .. with a faith that it will bring good luck and prosperity.”

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When we asked her why in some cultures, women are dressed like a bride before cremation, she elaborated, “This tradition of 16 shrignar is since the time when Sita got married to Ram … When Sita was getting ready, her mother Sunaina explained her the importance of 16 shringaar. So, when the married woman dies, the 16 shringar completes her in every way. It is said that her godly spirit rests in peace.”

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