THE TRADITION OF VOVIYO

It is characteristic that the different ceremonies of Mangalorean Catholic weddings are accompanied by songs (vovyo or Limericks) sung by women. The procedure is that one of the women, usually an elderly lady who knows the voviyos and the sequence of them, leads the song while the rest of the women sing ‘vove’ and then repeat the last verse. The younger ladies learn the voviyo this way and when confident, take the lead and there by continue the tradition.

It is well remembered that in ancient times the wedding songs expressed very lofty sentiments and gave vent to the feelings of the people about the marriage partners and their families, invoking the blessing of God on them. The tradition was carried with them from Goa when our ancestors fled Goa and settled in Kanara, in the Bednore Kingdom of Ikkeri Nayaka dynasty, who welcomed them and allotted land for cultivation. Unfortunately many of these songs are now lost and completely forgotten. The few which are still remembered are recited to this day at weddings. The verses sung in our days have been composed a few centuries ago, and parts of them may be even older. Other songs are made up by the women on the spur of the moment, and are as easily forgotten as composed.

During olden days especially in villages only ladies would apply roce and give a good rub especially to the bride, and the singer would be singing’rosachya vaana, ghatnno zalo bov, aang kara mov amchya vokulechem’ and sing all kinds of praise of the bride or groom.

ROCE VOVYOTRANSLATION (in Italic ) MAY NOT BE ACCURATE

VOVIYOS MAY BE NOT IN SEQUENCE

Aprosachi vatli, kasgran petli, ruzai mai betli, hea rosalagim.The ‘roce’ brass plate is made by brass smith, our lady of rosary is here at this ‘roce’ ceremony Matov zadun, udoila koir, sam Juzen dilam doir, amchea iezmanik The wedding pendal (matov) is swept and cleaned, Jesus has given courage to our yezmani

Apros hadn dovorla vatlenth, hokal rosak boslya, modhem matvam'thThe ‘roce’ juice is kept in the plate, the bride is seated for the roce in the middle of the pendal

Apros ross kadla , sarvoi sungrarun, rosak baslea kumvarn, amchi hokal baiPure coconut juice is extracted; the beautifully dressed bride is seated for her roce.

Dimbi ami galeam, santa kuru kadeam, kurpa ami magieam amchea JezulagimLet us kneel, make sign of the cross, and pray for God’s grace

Poili santa kuru, dusrem kelam tesamw, Jezuchem besaum amchea holeakFirst sign of the cross, then a vow, blessings of Jesus for the bride

Besaum magon, hokal baslea banka, dist lavn sarga, Jezu Morieacher

After receiving blessings from elders, bride is seated for the roce, looking up to the heavens to Jesus and Mother Mary.

Kani galem thel, kapolim kadlo khuris, sargimcho jezu kristh hokleak besaum dith.Oil is put in the ears, sign of cross made on the fore head, Jesus in heaven blesses the

bride

Kani tallve thel galn, bosaiea bamka, pailo man thuka, sargimchea Deva Bapa.Oil is put in the ears, bride is seated on the bench for roce, first respect to you, oh! Heavenly father

Kani thalve thel galn dhovorilem monniye, besaum di ranniye, sargimchea virza moriye.The oil is placed on the stand after anointing the bride, bless her oh! Heavenly Mother

Akashim mod, narl kubear telacho kuris hokleachea kopalarClouds in the sky, coconut on the tree, oily sign of cross on the forehead of the bride

Akashim mod munn, dharnik zalea shell, lobomgelea chaleak, kani mateak thelBecause of cloudy sky, the earth has a cold, oil in ears and on the head for the Lobo family bride

Aleachea doshi, sak-richem mel, panch thembe thel, hokelachea kapalar.For ginger pudding, sugary syrup, five drops of oil on the head of the bride

Kani talvea thel galn sarvai angio devlem, apurbaechem bavlem, amchi hokal bai.The oil poured dropped all over her body, beautiful doll our lovely bride

Kani thallvek thel galn, Jezuk maryam ulo, aprubaieachi chali amchi hokal bai.After anointing the bride, let us invoke Jesus, very pretty girl, our darling bride

Shenn koir kadn, nital zalem nel, vovlleamk galem thel amchea ezmaneen.The court year is swept and tidied up, the yezmani also anointed some of her guests

Amkvar mai podi narl, mari magdelen kamti kai, jezu mari mai, tegi ros laiVirgin Mary breaks coconut, Mary Magdalene breaks areca nut, Jesus, all three of you apply ‘roce’ to the bride

Madth podi narl mun, mornel podi kai santh ezabeli saith chovgi roce lai.Martha breaks coconut, Mornel breaks areca nut, St. Elizabeth, all four of you apply roce

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Aprosachea baxiea, muieamcho hari , aieavo naari, chovgi roce lai.Ants have gathered around the coconut juice bowl, come on ladies, apply roce to the bride

Apros ross kadla , konak samgon, raza magon amchea jezulagim.The juice is extracted with whose permission?. With permission from our Jesus

Ross kaadila, baimchea udkan, maiechea putran, rosak besaum deilam.The ‘roce’ juice has been prepared with well water, Virgin mother’s Son has blessed the ‘roce’

Apros roce kadn, dovorila boshiye Jezuchea khushe, iezmanin roce kadla.The ‘roce’ juice has been prepared and placed in the bowl by the mother of the bride, as desired by Jesus,

Sakalim mal'lim fulam sanzear bavolim, alma pavolim, hea rosalagim.The flower worn in the morning withered in the evening, the souls of the dead reached at this roce

Apros roce, ezmanichea kanknna, dhaak zalea patna, hanga roce munon.The juice is splashed on the mother’s bangles, the whole town has come to know there is roce today

Apros roce kadla, dheda vollyacho, ubo ravon polleita puth morieacho.Juice is from one and a half coconuts, standing and watching our Jesus Christ

Roce kadtea ezmani, moni dharlam tesamwm dhi maie besaum, saibinni kosesaaum.The mother of the bride has made a vow while preparing the ‘roce’ juice, please bless her oh Coses Mother

"Ruxai muje maye, naka korunk poice, kadel dovorn boice hya rosalagin.0 my mother, Lady of the Rosary, do not leave us, But take a chair and sit besides this roce ceremony

Hya Garcho yejmani kain gaa gela, Cherela sait Ruxai mayek hadunk gelaWhere the ‘yeznani’ gone? He is gone with the cherel (palanquin) to fetchOur mother, the Lady of the Rosary

Ruzai mai ayli, samkyaa margan, loban gelya vargan thika baska diyaMother of rosary has come from afar, give her seat as per Lobo(Naik) clan

Koses mai soiri, ruzai, mai gharchi, tinnem kurpa dimvchi, amchea hokleak Coses mother is guest, Rozari mother is of this house, she gives grace to our bride

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Rupiyache vattle bhangarache kes, mogacho roce tuja mai-bapachoGolden hair on the silver platter, this roce is with love from your parents

Aproschi bosi, dhavigi ujvi, poilo roce laitha voretha avoi thuji,Be the ‘roce’ juice bowls on the right and left, first applies ‘roce’ dear bride, your dear mother

Nannden ghalam lonnchem zaav ghaltha doce, avoi pustha roce, hokle nitt boceAunts have prepared pickle and marmalade, mother is applying ‘roce’ dear bride sit erect (be attentive)

Amchea ghara mukar, kelmbean gala muko, dhuveak kazar munon, avoik lagla dhakoThe plantain tree in front of the house has given fruit, your mother is worried because you are getting married

Varsam barlim munon, bapoi kadtha kazar, patim na adhar, hoklea avoik thujeaFather gets you married because you have come of age, but your mother will suffer as you wll not be there

Sakalim utovn, ambea mulanth vimch, birmoth chinth, thujea avoichi.Early in the morning pick mangoes below the tree, take pity on your mother and think of her kindly

Bithar galli mandri, bair vodinaka, kazar zalom mun avaik sodinaka.Do not pull out the mat spread inside, do not forget your mother once you are married

Hokleag bai, galeanth thujea benthin, avai barlea kanthin, dhuveak kazar mun.Dear bride, scapular around your nect, your mother is sad because you will be missed after marriage

Aprose roce niDla voilyan gallaith, sargim thaumn pollaith, voretha aji tujiThe ‘roce’ juice is strained the ‘naDla’, watching from heaven is your dear grand mother

Mez almar karun, mezar dhavarla glass, sargar zala ullas, tujea avaoik ( ajieak ).Table cupboard are ready, glass tumbler is on the table, happy is your grandmother in heaven

Sargimchea baink, aad gala ruk, ek galai dhuk, hoklea avaik ( azieak ) thujea.Tree stump is placed on the heavely well, shed one tear for your grandmother who is in heaven

Rosyanche radnik lilin serputan, Voir podlin hadkutan Vokle avocchin,Page 4 of 11

In the ‘rosya’ cooking shed firewood is added to the fire, The bones of the mother of the bride are projecting, due to sadness as daughter is leaving

Rosyanche radnik katyanche pog, Vishranaka mogu tuja mai-Bapaicho.In the’rosya’ cooking oven firewood is piled Do not forget the love of your parents

Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, dusro roce pustha voretha modern thujiBe the ‘roce’ juice bowls on the right and left, now applies ‘roce’ dear bride, your God mother

Gulobacha rukha tallver phulla bongo, uzvadacho khambo, amchi hokal baiOn the rose plant there has come a bud, light of the house is our bride

Ude Ude disa, udethana thambso, sondremacho arso amchi hokal baiRise, rise sun, golden while rising, mirror of the moon is our dear bride

Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, thisro roce pusthat hokle mavshyo thujoBe the ‘roce’ juice bowls on the right and left, now applies ‘roce’ dear bride, your dear aunts

Vaadyanthle maanesth, aylyath hanga somesth, pollevnk distha rupesth amchi hokal baiThe invitee dignitaries are present, beautiful she looks, our dear bride

Yezmani baaye, mog thuzo gupith, asa kitli sobith, amchi hokal baiDear ‘yezmani’, secret is your love, how pretty she looks, our dear bride

Hathanth buul, chimtenth pudu, gulobaancho ghos, amchi hokal bai,Snuff bottle in the hand, snuff in my pinch, a bunch of red roses, our dear bride

Aprosachi vatli dhavigi ujvi, sovtho roce pusthath hokle akayo thujoBe the ‘roce’ juice bowls on the right and left, now applies ‘roce’ dear bride, your paternal aunts

Tenne konn yeta thabshe kobayecho, burgya sobayechi amchi hokal baiSome one comes from there with red tunic, innocently beautiful our dear bride

Fulam bithor ful, gulob zadachem, kutam vodanchem, amcha hoklechemRose is the flower among flowers, wealthy family is of our bride

Chovga chan bhav hoklea, kapalachea thi'le, ku'larachea va'te paliea zalai di-veaYou are sister to four brothers. First light one lamp facing your father’s house

Ailea saireank, patim karinaka, jevan kelea xivai bhavank dhadinakaDo not refuse visiting guests, do not send your brothers without a good meal

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Aprosachi vatli davigi ujvi, atam roce laithath voretha daijim tujimBe the ‘roce’ juice bowls on the right and left, now applies ‘roce’ dear bride, your relatives

Hem Ghar sobana munn kursak aylam pan, poilo dila maan tumkam daijiyankThe cross has a leaf to beautify the house, first respect to you, dear relatives

Govamcho undo, tupan thapaila, mogan apailam iezmanin daizeamk.Wheat bread warmed with ghee, yezmani has lovingly invited you dear relatives

Dha paise dileath, suvieak ani suthak, malgadea dhuvek, iezmani kazar kadta.Ten paisa are given for needle and thread, yezmani is getting married his eldest daughter

Padri mees sangta, Jezu Mariea voir, thanim dilam dhoir amchea hokleakPriest says mass, jesus mary above, they have given courage to our dear bride

Deva bapa, deva putra, deva povitr athmya, kurpecha disa ezman roce laithaIn the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit, on this auspicious day yezman is applying roce

Aprosachea vatlea, motieamcho ghos, mogacho ross, hoklea bapaicho.A bunch of pearls arount the ‘roce’ bowl, with love applies ‘roce’ dear bride, your father

Bakreacha masa, rosachea po'le bapoin kello upkar, falea chintun po'le.For mutton curry, juicy pan cakes, do not ever forget all that your father did for you.

All the below Voviyos describe the father’s love to his daughter:Pavsath ievn, udak jalem vhala, kast pavlo ba'la, hoklea bapoi tujo.The stream has flooded with heavy rain, your father had many difficulty for this wedding, dear bride

Heavi kazarak, kitem zala nast, bov zalem kast, hoklea bapaik tujea.The wedding has caused much expense to your father, dear bride

Barik remv, kagdar varaili, kath zaraili, hoklea ( vareta ) bapaik tujea.Thin sand spread on the paper, your father had to walk much for your wedding Paixean jodlele, rupian punzailem, duveachea ( putachea ) kazarak bapaik karson geale.Earned much, could save only pennies, for daughter’s wedding father faced great expense

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Talem sukle'lem, salak bavdem jalem, talatachea savlea, bapoin vadailem.The pond dried, lutus withered, your father brought you up with tender care

Amcho iezmani, nesla chakrachem pudvem, surea surieachem kurvem, hoklea bapoi tujo.The yezmani has worn loin cloth called ‘pudvem’ lover of toddy, your dear father

Ailea'lea saireank patim karinaka, soro ( jevan ) dilea xivai bapoik dhadinaka.Do not refuse your guests, do not send back your father without offering a drink

Amchea ghara mukar, chireancho dhoro, rinacho baro, hoklea bapoik tujea.Laterite stone wall in front of our house, great burden of loan on your father

Iezmanieachea ghara mukar, asa pagor, vhad asa adhar, hoklea bapoicho.In front of your house there is a wall, you have great support from your father

Paieank galina vhan, potak khelena aan, axem kelem dh'on hoklea bapoin tujea.Does not wear sandles on his feet, does not eat lavish food, this way your father accumulated wealth.

Sakalim kadlem dudh(milk) sanzear jalem dho'em (curd ) sakkad lok asa, hoklea ( vareta ) bapoi kaim?Mornings milk curdled in the evening, every one is here, dear bride, where is your father?

IF THE BRIDE’S FATHER HAS DIED:Sargimchea baim'k (well) bangarache dhampne , viggim ailem apovne, hoklea bapoik tujea.Heavenly well, golden lid, early came heavenly call to your father

Ethlem saglem ason hoklea, atam kitem unem, bapoi nathlelem, tujem dublea jinem.So much is said, dear bride, fatherless life is very poor

Bapai na mun hoklea, naka korum'k chinta, fula sangdo maan, tuka baav dita.Do not worry that your father is not alive today, like your father, your brother will take care of you Sargar aslea bapoik, kitem tuka tha'n ( thirst ) puth dith dha'n ( donate ) tuka opis mees.

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Your father in heaven, why is he thirsty, the son will give donation and offer mass to your soul

Dhavntha ghodya, bandhvila pa'la, bieanaka ba'la, tuka Dev asa....Fleeing horse is caught and tied to the tree, do not worry child, God is there for you

UNCLES APPLY ROCE:

Hyavi matvanth baple thuje mhale, tjua bapaicha kaal, baplo roce laithaIn this ‘roce matov’ pendal, your uncles are the match makers, under your father, your uncle applies roce Mavllo roce laitha, monanth kitem chintha, borem ponn magtha tuja kazaraak,Uncle applies roce, what he thinks in his mind? Wishes you the best on your wedded life

Bhatacha rashir boson asa kavllo, mundaas gaar mavllo, aila tuja kazaraak,Crow sits on the heap of paddy, big turbaned uncle has come for your wedding

SISTER IN LAW APPLIES ROCE:

Amcha gharanth, mai amchi maal, Mainche Khaal haum roce laithamIn our house, mother in Law is second. Under mother in Law, I apply roce to you GOING FOR BATH:

Dharyacha lara, chothri fulai mora, naumk apoun vora, amcha hoklekWave of the ocean, spread your feathers in the shape of umbrella dear peacock, take the bride for her ‘roce’ hot bath

Voviyo mullim vovllim hoklek nannaunk vocha, heram jevnnak bosa, raath madhyaan zathaThe ‘voviyo’ singers, please accompany the bride at bath, rest of you get ready for the meal, as it is nearing midnight.

The below song is recited at the end or after the first round of serving meals.

Laudate

 Laudate dominum…,

Omnes gentes,

Omnes populi, quanium confir mata est,

Super nos mesericordia ejus,

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Et veritas domini manet in eternum,

Et veritas domini manet in eternum…!.

Gloria patri et filio,(here all make the sign of the Cross)

Et spiritui sancto, sicut erat in principio et nunc

Etsemper et in secula seculorum amen.

Laudate dominum…,

Omnes gentes,

Omnes populi,

Quanium confirmata est,

Super nos mesericordia ejus,

Et veritas domini manet in eternum,

Et veritas domini manet in eternum.

1. Keep the Roce plates at the altar2. Welcome.3. Prayer at the altar.4. Bible reading.5. If there is priest or nun or a learned man then he can give short commentary over the bible reading and the Roce programme.7. Make bride/bride groom to stand at a prominent place and all people come in a line and give blessings8. Make the people involved in Roce to sit at the bench provided in a Mattov. (If it is bride then bride along with her sisters or cousins. If it is bridegroom then along with him his brothers/cousins)9. Applying the Roce10. Take the Novro/Vokol and give them a bath.11. Deddo/Deddios too will go for bath.12. Dinner

________________________________________________________________

A. Begining (Aprsos = Roce)----------------------------1. Aprosache boxie, Bhangaracho bonvor, Rosak bosla Kunvor Amcho voret Rai (Amchi Voret bai)

2. Apros kaddla, Sorvoi surngaravn, Rosak bosla kunvor Amcho Voret Rai(boslea kunvorn Amchi Voret bai)

B. Take a cross on the fore head of bride/bridegroom----------------------------3. Akaxi madd, Narl kubear, Telacho khuris voretachea (voklechea) Kopolar.

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C. Put roce to the ears and head----------------------------4. Akaxi modd mhonn dhornnik zalea xell, SOZANgelea (here mention any other surname) choleak (choliek), kani mateak tel

5. Aleachea dosi, sakrichem mel, panch tembe tel voklechea (voretachea) kani ghal.

6. Kani ghalem tel, kopolim kaddlo khuris, vainkutincho jezukrist voretak (voklek) besanv dit.

D. Make bride/groom to sit on the bench----------------------------7. Kani tallve tel ghaln bosoia banka, poilo man tuka sorginchea deva bapa

8. Kani tallve tel ghaln sorvoi angi denvlem, apurbaiechem bavlem amchi vokol bai

9. Kani tallvek tel ghaln, jezuk maruiam ulo, apurbhaecho cholo amcho voret bab.

E. Inviting Mother Mary/Jesus and people to Apply Roce----------------------------10. Ankvar moi foddi narl, mori magdalen kanti kai (Narl kantcho), jezu mori mai, tegi rose lai

11. Aprosache boxie, muiancheo hari, aiavo nari, chovgi rose lai.

12. Aapros kaddla, konnak sangon, roza magon amchea jezulagim,

13. Apros kaddn, dovorla boxie, jesuche kuxie, ezmanin rose kaddla.

14. Apros kaddla, dedda volleacho, ubo ravon polleta put moriecho

15. Altari voili kals, denne lavn kaddlea, ballka soit ailea amchi ruzai mai.

F. First roce applied by the mother.----------------------------16. Aprosachi boxi davigi ujvi, poilo rose laita vokle (voreta) avoi tuji.

G. Second roce applied by the father.----------------------------17. Aprosache boxie, motiancho ghos, mogacho ros vokle (voreta) bapaicho.

H. Apply other close relatives, daijis, voddo people and all the people who are present. During this time you may say any kinds of vovios to give advices to the brides/grooms (some could be as below)----------------------------18. Aillea soireank pattin korinaka, jevonn kelea xiva bhavak daddinaka.

19. Ami boroil'lem kagot pavlem bellganvant, urlo porganvant vokle baplio (Mavllo) tuzo.

20. Amchea ghora mukhar chireacho doro, rinnacho bhoro vokle bapaik tujea.

21. Itle vers gavn, amkam kitem pag, tumchea rozar magnneant amkam borem mag.

22. Goincho goinkar, bhuincho bhuinkar, kuvaittco savkar amcho voret bab.

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F. Taking bride/groom for bath----------------------------23. Tambiachea bhanni tapoilam panni, vhokol nhata nhann az ankvar ponn.

24. Tambeachea bhanni, tapoilam tambann, hokol (voret) nhata nhann az dabajan.

25. Tambeachea bhanni tapoilam tambann, hokol (voret) nhanvk vheta bendda tomboran.

26. Tambeachea bhanni udok tapoilam, nanvk apoilam amche hok'lek.

G. Lunch or Dinner27. Donparanchea jevnnak nisteak kitem guzo, daijeank apovn ezmani kor uzo.

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