Ettu Nombu Thirunal 2022

ETTUNOMBU THIRUNAL (THE BIRTH OF BL. VIRGIN MARY)

Ettu Nombu Thirunal or ‘Eight –day-Abstinence is a traditional ritual among St. Thomas Christians, carried out from the 1 to 8 September in preparation towards the Feast of the Birth of Bl. Virgin Mary. During the 7 days prior to the feast,  the  faithful  rigorously  fast,  offer  bouquets  at  the  feet  of  Muthiyamma  and  pray  ardently  for  her  blessings. According  to  a  tradition,  during  the  Muslim  incursion  of  the  City  of  Kodungalloor,  to  protect  the  virginity  of  girls molested by the non-believers, the parents are said to have begun this feast in the 9 century. Another story tells that it had been begun by the ladies of Kodungalloor to prevent women, especially young girls, from the entice, trap, illicit and immoral life followed by the Portuguese. Whatever be the legend, the feast reminds parents of protecting their girl children from all snares and dangers through rigorous fasting and prayers.  On 8 September, an agape is celebrated to break the 7 – day abstinence.

CONFLUENCE OF MARYs (MARY NAMA SANGAMAM)

In association with Ettu Nombu, every year on 8 September, the Birth Day of Holy Mary, hundreds of women and children having the names, Mary, Mariam, Vimala, Amala and Maria congregate at the Church, each one  offering 21 leavened bread (Kallappam) to the Church.  The bread is distributed among the faithful during the agape that follows the rituals in the Church. Special prayers and services are offered on this day for women having the name Mary.

THE HOLY RITUALS OF ETTU NOMBU

The  evenings  of  Ettu  Nombu  assume  pious  and  holy  ambience  with  solemn  religious  ceremonies  such  as  the  Holy Eucharist in different rites celebrated by Bishops from various dioceses, candle – lit Rosary pageant and special prayers and benediction.   A day’s celebrations end with the distribution of Kheer (Payasam) or the like offered by the President of the day.  An  array  of  programmes,  such  as,  Farmers’  day,  Elder’s  day,  Blessing  of  vehicles,  Votary  day,  Gratitude  day  , Confession day, Sodality day, Confluence of Marys and Agape are parts of Ettu Nombu Thirunal.