Beyond the wedding veil: 'Saddo' in the Goan bridal trousseau

Kimberly Colaco

GOAN TROUSSEAU

In Goan weddings, the trousseau is a significant aspect, consisting of an assortment of items meant for the bride-to-be to use after the wedding ceremony.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bridal couple | Photo: Velrose Pereira

BRIDAL TRADITION

One of the items in the trousseau is a saddo, a traditional red dress/fabric gifted to the bride by the groom’s family, and which she has to wear after the wedding celebrations.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bridal couple | red fabric | Photo: Rochelle Gonsalves

HOW IT BEGINS

The wedding celebrations actually start a few weeks before the wedding day at the groom's house, when the saddo material is purchased and kept at the altar near a statue of Our Lady.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bridal couple | red fabric | Photos: Rochelle Gonsalves

THE LITTLE DETAILS

The groom's family selects the fabric for the saddo, typically featuring vibrant floral designs in shades of red and white.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bridal couple | red fabric | Photo: Clesito Fernandes

CUSTOM-MADE DESIGN

To celebrate the occasion, the chosen tailor cuts a piece of the saddo fabric and takes the measurements of the bride-to-be so as to begin stitching the dress for her.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bride | Photo: Clesito Fernandes

UNIQUE TRADITION

According to locals, the saddo represents wealth, blessings and happiness to the soon-to-be-wed couple.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bridal | red fabric | Photo: Rochelle Gonsalves

WEDDING ESSENTIALS

In Goa, no celebration is truly complete without prayers and the company of close family and friends.

Goa | saddo| tradition | bride | blessings | Photo: Rochelle Gonsalves

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