Is It Really Lucky To Get Married On A Full Moon Night?

The moonlit sky has been the perfect setting for a romantic moment for ages. Who can forget the iconic song ‘Chand Chupa Badal Main’ from the 90’s movie ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ where Sameer and Nandini confessed their love for each other under the moonlit sky?

Or the evergreen scene from the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet where the female protagonist peeped out of her window and confessed her love on a moonlit night. While the romantic in you may find the idea of getting hitched on a full moon night romantic, certain religions and cultures believe that it might hold more significance than just being a pretty backdrop for your wedding shoot….

The Full Moon And Weddings: Is There A Connection?

What do different cultures and religions say about marrying on a full moon day?

As per ancient Roman mythology, marrying on a full moon night assures the blessings of Juno, who is also the goddess of marriage, and fertility and the harbinger of prosperity, families and children.

In Greek culture, consummating your wedding on a full moon day was considered auspicious as the full moon is associated with the goddess Selene, who is also known as the ‘eye of the night’. As ancient Greeks believed that Selene eradicated negativity, darkness and fear and brought in positivity in the absence of the sun, marrying on a full moon day made sure that the goddess removed negativity from the couple’s life.

Though there are enough ancient myths that claim marriage on a full moon day ensures prosperity, there’s no biblical reference for the same.

Father Pius Fernandes, pastor at the Society of Jesuits says, “There are a lot of legends and myths about people getting married on a full moon day that assures the presence of deities on your wedding day in European myths. But as per the bible, there is no evidence that marriage on a full moon day guarantees you a great life ahead. There is no auspicious date or time as per Christianity to get married, as every day is a gift from God, the almighty Jesus, to live your best life.”

While Islam sees the moon as a symbol of guidance and a path through life, there’s nothing specifically mentioned in the Holy Quran about the position of the moon determining and having an effect on your married life.

“There is nothing mentioned in the Quran about marrying on a full moon day being lucky for the couple and a no moon day being unlucky,” says Delhi-based cleric, Qazi Mufti Qaleemuddin Qasmi. “Allah is omnipotent and omniscient and ever-present, so the presence of the moon in the sky on your wedding day does not testify that the Almighty is taking care of you or will take care of your married life ahead.”

Although certain cultures believe marrying on a full moon day is extremely lucky while some religions believe that the position of the moon in the sky does not affect a person’s married life. The Hindu religion believes that it might work out in favour of some people while for some it may be a decision that may later pose challenges in their married life.

As per the Hindu legend, the moon God (Soma) was married to the 27 daughters of King Daksha and he only attended to one of the wives Rohini while leaving the others unattended. The daughters went and complained to their father about their husbands' negligence and the king cursed the moon god to lose his radiance. Then Lord Shiva( the destroyer) helped the moon god retrieve his radiance by placing him on his head.

In his book Seven Secrets of Shiva, mythologist Devdutt explains this incident and says, “The complete shape of the moon philosophically reminds people that the bad times shall pass and good times will prevail. It is also a reminder that just like the changing shape of the moon, the good times shall also pass away soon, therefore a reminder that everything in this world is temporary. Through the folklore, it also gives the larger message not to be swayed away by your own self-worth as you also will meet the same fate as the moon god. The moon is believed to have healing powers which is why ancient Ayurvedic physicians placed their herbs under the moonlight so that they could be used for making potions and medicines later. So, the presence of a full moon therefore is believed to be an indicator of a hopeful, humble, new beginning that opens doorways for healing.”

Though full moon days are considered auspicious as per Hindu religion, it is important to match birth charts, or the Kundli of the couple to see if the full moon favours their life ahead. As per Vedic astrology, the position of the moon can have a significant impact on a couple’s married life.

Pandit Parth Joshi says, "The moon has been linked to Lord Shiva, the destroyer, who destroys to let the cycle of creation begin again, but again, the placement of the moon in the Kundali or the birth chart should be thoroughly examined by a qualified astrologer. The wedding date, the tithi and the muhurat of conducting the rituals do have an impact on the person’s life lying ahead.”

What does astrology say about marrying on a full moon day? 

Vedic astrology believes the moon, or Chandrama, to be the Karaka or the custodian of the mind. The moon also represents the ‘mother’ of an individual and the person’s relationship with the mother or mother-in-law. One of the points that is considered to check the compatibility of the couple while marrying is examining their moon placements in the birth chart. As the moon represents the mind, and emotional well-being of a person, it is primarily the moon sign compatibility that says if two people will remain happy or not.

“Yes marrying on a full moon is considered auspicious as per Vedic astrology but it is again subjective,” says astrologer Saurabh Sharma, “As Lord Shiva had revived the moon and given the moon god a lesson on valuing people, marrying on a full moon night brings in emotional stability and enhances intuition power.

But it is not advisable for people with a weak moon or those whose moon has a conjunction with malefic planets like Uranus, Neptune or Saturn. If the moon is exalted in Taurus, strong in its sign Cancer, or is in the sign of Jupiter (Saggitarius or Pisces) then it can give excellent results. But if the moon is somehow forming a conjunction with malefic planets then it is best to avoid marrying on a full moon night.”

Western astrology believes that every phase of the moon can have an impact on the marriage sector of a person’s life. A full moon wedding signifies completeness, balance and emotional fulfilment. It is also believed that having a wedding on a full moon night can intensify your emotional and spiritual connection.

Whether you believe that the phases of the moon have a direct impact on your marital life or not, there’s no denying that there’s something romantic about getting married under a full moon-lit sky. What do you think?