2023 August Nuhra - Monthly of Knanaya Region USA

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. (Jeremiah 17 : 14 )

When considering the merits of Although it now seems obvious, this the Knanaya community, reflection has helped me gain a new many unique elements of our culture perspective on a merit of the and tradition certainly spring to mind, Knanaya community. To some but the most prominent is extent, one could argue such “ice- undoubtedly our tight-knit sense of breakers” with a focus on relations community. It’s that ability for any aren’tunique to the Knanaya member of our community to relate community but rather a part of themselves to another that I find most Asian culture in general.And while extraordinary. this may be true to some extent, Endless conversations about how there’s no doubt that the people are related to each other are endogamous nature of our a hallmark of any vacation I’ve ever community amplifies the been on. No matter where it is we effectiveness of this ice-breaker and visit, whether it be Toronto or serves to create common-ground Atlanta, my family members always within a minute of conversation. manage to find some relation While I began writing this editorial between them and the people they hoping to broadly touch on various talk to. Whether it be a direct familial merits of the Knanaya community, connection or a neighbor’s son’s it devolved into a more personal daughter’s teacher, these reflection of my individual identifications never cease to amaze experiences. I hope the next time me. Particularly when I was any of us are caught in such a younger, I’ve sat there wondering if conversation, we can not only there wasn’t anything more appreciate them a bit more but interestingthey could talk about. hope to absorb the information and As I forged new friendships in may be one day even apply it in our college this year, I’ve come to own interpersonal relationships. understand the practice.I realize now that I use the same methods I Alex Chackalackal once thought to be digressive. By asking about favorite movies, I will go before you and will books, and hobbies, I hoped to level the mountains ; I will break identify commonalities between down gates of bronze and cut myself and the people I met, much through bars of iron. I will give like my relatives would ask about you hidden treasures, riches cities, schools, and family to the stored in secret places, so that people they met. Ultimately, both are you may know that I am the done to find a common ground upon LORD, the God of Israel which a friendship can grow. ( Isaiah :45, 2: I)

Rev. Dr. Bipy Mathew Tharayil Communal identity of 16+ customs (especially those related to lend a helping hand to them. Our centuries! We Knanaits have marriage) imparts Catholic truths such pastoral life and our ecclesial facilities kept our Catholic faith and Knanaya as: are blessings from God, and at times traditions intact, but the party time is 1. The sanctity of life like this, we must use them to over. Now is the time to wake up for 2. Importance of purity (both spiritual mobilize, help, and support the the final examination! Examining our & physical) affected people in addition to joining table of preference! We must examine 3. Family prayer them in ardent prayer. Furthermore, whether we are aware of the spiritual 4. Respecting women our special customs are supposed to and moral implications of our Knanaya 5. Respecting the elders make us more tolerant, traditions, how spiritually we celebrate 6. Sacredness of sexuality compassionate, and understanding. our family customs and traditions 7. Marriage open to procreation Even though these customs and related to our Christian life, and how 8. Solidarity in the family traditions help us grow spiritually, we deep our trust in the Lord is, even in 9. Responsible parenthood doubt whether this is fulfilled in its times of tribulations and travesties 10. Value of sacrifices & suffering fullness. Currently, we see some signs such as those occurring in Manipur! 11. Duty of parents to give faith of impulsive reactions and some In the news, we see the merciless formation to children unacceptable behavior (though a killing, rape, and inhuman attacks on The family customs that we solemnly minority) in our community. women and children in Manipur. What celebrate during marriage, baptism, Sometimes we do not seem to be causes us to have sleepless nights is and during the time of ‘sendoff for studying the topics well. There are the fact that organized systems like delivery’ (Pettinuvideel), etc., are also signs of indiscipline, secularism, the government, media, judiciary, etc., loudly proclaiming the above- and a lack of faith in the ecclesiastical are pretending to be ignorant of these mentioned Christian principles. The administration. Our celebrations of brutal violences. But, amongst the hymns that we sing for each ceremony these Knanaya customs should keep violence, I am surprised to see (Purathana Pattukal) are also rich in us more spiritual, moral, and more Christians in the affected area still professing these truths. We are proud faithful to the Gospel values. Our possessing the virtue of of our unique identity and traditions. customs and traditions should make ‘perseverance.’ This gives us an Every time we say we are proud, we us more faithful so that we are even opportunity to reflect on how we can should also be aware that this special ready to carry our own crosses use our traditions to further cultivate identity also gives us special without complaint. I am happy that the faith and spiritual life of our responsibility. The above-mentioned some of our parishes, missions, and generation. We can proudly say that points are our responsibility as our Nuhra readers are responding our customs and traditions have been Knanites. Put yourself in the shoes of well to the needs of the time and carried on meaningfully for many those who are suffering in Manipur. conducting special prayers for the centuries. We are proud that we kept Would you be able to proclaim and suffering people, collecting money to our faith intact without any keep your faith amidst these help the affected brothers and sisters. adulteration. Our ancestors gave us a tribulations? Or would you fly away? Let us hope and pray that the Risen plethora of examples of how to lead a We are called to share the same faith Lord will protect them and will Christian life faithfully by teaching us as those people. We have the duty to reward them with his promises. the value of taking up the cross/ pray for the suffering church and to suffering for others. Who we are W today is the result of the hard work, sacrifice, and prayer of our forefathers. Each of our family

Dr .Bibita Cijoy Parappallil, New Jersey I grew up in the capital city of individuals, I always yearned to Are we serving as good models of Kerala, now called uphold my Knanaya tradition. During prayer, charity, and love for our Thiruvananthapuram, which is school vacations, our parents would children? Do they feel the same take us back to our hometown, pride in being Knanaya that we do? around a 5-6 hour drive away from Kottayam, to spend time with our The foundation of the love and unity grandparents and cousins. As within our community is our faith in Kottayam, the bosom of the children, we would wake up in the God and our eagerness to share it morning to the sound of our early- with others. The Knanaya Knanaya Catholics of Kerala. My rising grandparents saying their community is inherently evangelical; morning prayers, which could last up our forefathers journeyed to Kerala dad was a librarian at Sainik School to an hour. I would then see my to strengthen the faith of the existing grandmother rush to complete her Christians there. Consequently, our Kazhakoottam in morning chores, get dressed, and primary goal as a community head to the church, which was over should be to exemplify strong faith Thiruvananthapuram, a residential a mile away from our home, to attend and love to those around us. the morning mass. In the evening, they Whether we are located anywhere military school that prepares children would gather the family for a group in the world or engaged in any field prayer, which concluded with “sthuthi of life, we should strive to nurture to join the armed forces of India. chollel” (an act of reconciliation with our faith and share it with our each other and a blessing from our surroundings. As our faith grows, The staff and students of Sainik elders). These experiences deeply so does our capacity for love and influenced my faith and were shaped unity as a community. May the Holy School live on the same campus, by the close-knit family members Spirit grant us, the Knanaya people, who shared it. Our Knanaya priests, the grace to flourish in faith, love, forming a close-knit family. For a nuns, catechism teachers, and church and charity. Let us stand united in faith groups like Cherupushpa love and share our faith with long time, my dad was the only Mission League, along with the younger generations and those who Christeen team led by Knanaya laity surround us. Knanaya staff member at Sainik and KCYL, played vital roles in shaping our faith. I am incredibly W School until a few more Knanaya proud of our Knanaya family traditions, the church, and the Thus says the Lord, the teachers joined the family. I was community that helped instill and God of your ancestor David: share the Catholic faith with younger I have heard your prayer, I fascinated to observe that whenever generations. However, a pressing have seen your tears; indeed, question arises: Can we effectively I will heal you; on the third day a Knanaya child joined Sainik carry on and transmit this faith, love, you shall go up to the house and unity to the younger generations? of the Lord. (2 Kings 20: 5) School, their parents would somehow seek out my dad, and soon, they would be placed under his guardianship. Despite the distance, my family made an effort to attend the Knanaya church whenever possible, as well as participate in Koodarayogam meetings, other church group activities, and marriages. These experiences helped me to better understand and love our traditions. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up with the understanding that being Knanaya means being part of a special bond that holds us together. Growing up amidst non- Christians and non-Knanaya

Meryl Mathew New Jersey The evangelical role of “Thekkumbhagar.” The Knanaya good examples for our children to the Knanaya people were instrumental in reviving respect the church and our priests. community is a very the church in Kerala. If the Knanaya These characteristics must be molded interesting topic. people had not migrated to Kerala from our own homes. We should when they did, we would not have encourage our children to volunteer Understanding this requires digging the same Catholic church in Kerala. in the community and to be generous into our history. Nowadays, it seems We must preserve all parts of our with the less fortunate. Whenever that our own people have forgotten identity. As Knanaya Catholics, we there are church activities, we should our own roots and the foundation of must always remember the participate and help share our joy. If our identity as Knanaya people. St. importance of our faith. The greatest there are community events in our Thomas arrived in India in AD 52, gift we can give our children is local town, we should go as a church and Catholicism flourished. passing on our faith. It is vital that group to serve. The best way to share However, after some time, the family prayer is part of the daily our faith and evangelize is by setting number of St. Thomas Christians in routine so that it is continued for the an example for others by living a good India began declining, and they generations to come. We must set life, helping, and caring for others. began losing faith. Knai Thomman, a merchant from Mesopotamia, W noticed the troubled St. Thomas Christians and reported this to Bishop He will dwell with them, and they shall Uraha Mar Joseph, who conveyed be his people, and God himself will be this information to the head bishop, with them; he will wipe away every tear Mar Sahadose. Knai Thomman and from their eyes, and death shall be no Uraha Mar Joseph led the migration more, neither shall there be mourning of 72 families from 7 different tribes nor crying nor pain any more, for the with 400 people, priests, and deacons in AD 345, and ended up former things have passed away. in Kodungallur. Mar Sahadose asked ( Revelation 21 : 6-8) the people to always hold on to their traditions, and the people took a pledge to follow Endogamy. They were greeted by Cheraman Perumal, who gave them the 72 privileges; and they were known as “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4, verse 20-22)

Asha Mooleparampil is upheld by seeking blessings from New York elders before any important events in life. Iwas talking to my CCD students about what they did for the past week. Two of my students said they 2) Chantham Charth went to a wedding. I asked, “ How was the wedding? “ They replied immediately, “ It was beautiful.Auntie, The main traditions during chantham it was a Kna wedding. What else do you expect?” charth are Now I became curious. I asked them, “ Why do you like to attend Knanaya Weddings in particular?” They •The Brother-in-law of the bridegroom brings him to the said, “ The traditions, we have beautiful traditions. That pandal is why.” I agreed without any hesitation. •Purification and beautification of the bridegroom by Knanaya traditions are a beautiful union of Christian, shaving his face and applying oil by barber. Jewish, and Indian cultures. Most of these traditions have biblical roots also. •Ichappad Kodukkal ( Paternal uncle feeds the These traditions are followed in connection with bridegroom rice pudding and jaggery to wish him a sweet weddings, the death of a family member, folklore, etc. life ahead.) Knanaya traditions are perfectly preserved and passed Both barber and paternal uncles ask the from generation to generation. The beauty and community’s permission three times before starting their meaningfulness of these traditions are preserved even duties. This tradition shows the value given to the now only because of the practice of endogamy and community in a person’s life. Involving a barber in chantham deep love for the community among the knananites. charth demonstrates respect for people of other religions and castes. Respect for elders and involvement of the Traditions Related to Wedding extended family members in a person’s life is also evidenced in this tradition. 3) Mylanchi ideel Main traditions in mylanchi ideel are •The bride is brought to the pandal 1. Betrothal accompanied by her elder sister or paternal Betrothal is usually done aunt. in the bride’s church. The main •Purification and beautification of the bride by applying traditions during betrothal are henna on palms and feet by her paternal grandmother. •Ichappad kodukkal by the bride’s paternal uncle. •Sthuthi Kodukkal ( Seeking blessing from elders) Events in Mylanchi ideel point out the •Kaipidutham ( paternal uncles hold hands as witnesses respect shown to women and elders in the Knanaya in agreement for marriage) Community. •Betrothal reception is started by the bride’s maternal 4) Marriage Day uncle inviting the bridegroom’s maternal uncle to The ceremony of marriage is usually done at the wash his hands by giving water from ‘ Kindi.’ bridegroom’s church. The main traditions followed on In these customs, we can see that family marriage day are members are given important roles. The respect of elders

• Sthuthi Kodukkal ( Bride and bridegroom are Traditions after the Death of a Family getting blessings from parents and elders Member before going to church for the marriage ceremony) • Barmaryam song is sung by the Priest at the end of the marriage ceremony Mass. This song is 1) Embracing the relatives of the dead person( It shows the love and support offered to the grieving family by the about the life of Jesus Christ and is sung to relatives and the community.) bless the newly wedded couple. • Nadavili Duringthe procession 2) In the ceremony after the burial, close relatives of the to the bridegroom’s dead person drink from the same tender coconut ( blessed house/ reception hall by the Priest). This tradition is practiced to symbolize the after the marriage unity and togetherness of the family members even after function, maternal their loved one’s death. uncles and the crowds cheer the bride and bridegroom by doing the Nadavili three times. The tradition shows Folklore that the family and the community are sharing the Knanaya traditions are passed down from generation happiness of the newly wedded couple. to generation through folklore. Examples are • Nellum Neerum In this ceremony, the bridegroom’s mother along 1) Purathanappattukal with his sisters, welcomes and blesses the newly These are the traditional songs sung especially during wedded couple using a palm leaf, water, and rice. This the Knanaya Wedding traditions. These songs are beautiful custom helps to reassure the bride that she is welcomed and give meaning to these traditions. These songs have a into her new family. It also reveals the respect for close resemblance to the Jewish wedding songs. women given in the Knanaya Families. • Vazhu Piduththam 2) Margam Kali In this tradition, the bride’s mother blesses the newly This religious dance is performed during most of the wedded couple. Knanaya social functions. This dance describes the works •Kacha Thazhukal of St Thomas and Knai Thoma in Kerala. During this tradition, the bridegroom’s family is giving Knanaya traditions are so beautiful gifts to the bride’s family for raising her in faith and andheartwarmingthatothercommunities values until the wedding day, and a strong relationship are adopting these traditions. is formed between the two families. The biblical ” Butterflies can’t see their wings. They root of ‘Thazhukal’ is can’t see how truly beautiful they are, the promise given to but everyone else can. People are like that as well. “ Abraham by his servant ( W Genesis 24: 2-9) •Palum Pazhavum Kodukkal Milk with sliced banana pieces is given to the couple from a single cup. This custom represents the couple’s Humble yourselves therefore under the unity after the marriage. This custom has its origin mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you from Jewish wedding traditions. in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; The Lord shall fight because your adversary the devil, as a roaring for you, and ye shall hold your lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:(1 Peter 5: 6-86) peace.(Exodus 14:14)

help first. helping us find our way back to Remember the Him—back to happiness. If we try story in the Bible to find happiness, joy, in everything where Peter and that we do, then we would be able the other disciples to do all of those things with true Betsy Kizhakkepuram were on a boat that was starting love and kindness. Doing good New Jersey to fill up with water due to the deeds is always expected of us, but harsh wind and waves. It was if we approach them grudgingly, In Psalm 16:11, King David tells us, “You only after they called to Jesus that they will be difficult to do. make known to me the path of life; in your He woke up, calmed the wind However, if we try to find happiness presence, there is the fullness of joy; at and seas, and told them, “Do not even in the littlest of things, then we your right hand are pleasures be afraid, where is your faith?” can be filled with God’s grace to forevermore.” Joy is one of the most (Matthew 8:23-34). God can do charitable works and helpful important Fruits of the Holy Spirit because alleviate us of all our stresses and actions without a heavy heart. In it is something that we hopefully try to struggles if we just ask because the end, joy is one of the twelve practice and experience every day. Joy, God created us, and He wants Fruits of the Holy Spirit that explained in the simplest terms, is pure happiness. It’s the feeling of warmth that nothing more from us than to encourages us fills up your heart and soul, making you remain joyful and strong in faith. to embrace so happy that you are able to spread it to Whenever we feel as though we true happiness the people around you. That is true joy, are losing our happiness or joy, all and live our and that is the joy that God wants us to we have to do is read the Bible lives in the attain. The opposite of joy is sadness. or talk to God through prayer. presence of Even though it is something that we all John 15:11 reminds us that “these try to avoid, in the end, it seems to be things I have spoken to you, that God’s protection. Wherever there inevitable. However, it is important to my joy may be in you, and that remember that experiencing sadness your joy may be full.” God speaks is God, there is joy, and we should doesn’t take away your joy. Joy is not only to us every day, either through the being happy but also persevering through Bible or through conversing with try to pray to Him constantly—for the stress and sadness and regaining that us in prayer, and everything He happiness. Sometimes, whenever sadness says has the sole purpose of anything happening in our lives, big or stress overwhelms us, it is important that we look to God for help. God is always or small—and reach out to Him so there for us to help relieve our stress. We just need to remember to go to Him for that He can take His place in our hearts and fill us with His love. After all, John 16:22 says, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” W Quiz Questions 1.How many royal permissions called 3. Who was the Bishop that 5. What does the the Chepedukal should be capitalized to the people of the Knanaya by the led the migration of the 72 mother of the groom ruler Cheraman Perumal? families to Kerala? place on the forehead a. 35 b. 72 a. Bishop Joseph of the bride as she c. 57 d. 74 b. Bishop John comes to the groom’s 2. How many families came to Kerala with Thomas of Cana c. Bishop Luke home after the a. 27 b. 12 d. Bishop Thomas wedding? c. 78 d. 72 4. To which place in Kerala did a. Nellum Neerum the merchant, Thomas of b. Nellum Pathirum Cana set sail to? c. Payum Poovum a. Kothanaloor d. Palum Pazhavum b. Kottayam Note: Send your answers to c. Kodungaloor [email protected]. Winners d. Kothamangalam will be selected by lot and names will be published in next edition.

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