So, you have seen the photograph from yesterday! That was how I was ‘welcomed’ to his Unit/Regiment. We landed at the Pathankot Army Base at six on that freezing and cold March morning. One clue? One warning? No, he didn’t give me any! Instead of blabbering about the regiment, things like these are of utmost importance to a newly wed Army wife!
His junior officers were waiting for us and we were asked to exchange the garlands. The blushing us were then led to a tractor/sandtruck. I was more than happy to step foot on it and thus we went around seeing the unit- yes, on that chilly morning without even a shawl or a jacket! I enjoyed though. Until he was asked by his Unit officers to lift me up and walk a good 500mtrs till the Offr’s Mess Entrance. I shall never in my life forget the moment. And No, I am not going to share that picture! This was followed by the Dining In, at night.
I have asked a fellow blogger, a dear friend, an Army Wife- Inderpreet who blogs at Eloquent Articulation to share her experiences and pen down a guest post for me! She was the one whom I always turned to seeking ideas and help and she was more than willing to assist. Don’t know what I would have done without her! 🙂
Read on and I hope you enjoy and share some love on our blogs.
After yesterday wild welcome ride that Shalini had, you guys would think that it was a bit extreme, well let me tell you all, she got off easy!
Welcoming the new bride into the battalion is an age old tradition that is upheld to the highest standards by the bachelors of the unit and the supportive senior ladies and officers. (Read Co Wives)
The main aim of this wonderful, funny and sometimes downright rowdy tradition is to ensure the bride is relaxed and opens up to her new family away from home as she settles down in an alien environment. It works as an effective ice breaker and all round fun occasion for all.
Here are a few quirky ways brides are welcomed in the forces –
A ride in a tractor- trailer decked with fairy light and filled with goats and while the couple take a round of the unit area.
A night spent in a room full of animals from the unit like chickens, ducks, and goats (the animals are tied, don’t worry). All this to show the flora and fauna of the new place!
An interrogation by the unit officer who is pretends that all the details of her marriage and things are needed so they can be added to the unit inventory!! I have heard pretty funny items on the list including the shopping done for her hubby, Mil etc!!
A mock attack on the newlyweds by the bachelors dressed as robbers and taking/ pretending to loot the jewelry of the bride in order to save her hubby. Easiest heist ever!!
A night spent in a tent – a furnished tent but alone in the middle of nowhere.
These are a few of the pranks played on the bride and almost always the seniors are aware and participate. The groom is a willing participant playing the role of a submissive guy, ensuring the girl steps up to save the day!
The couple is quite embarrassed but when the truth comes out, and plenty of fond memories and stories to share with their family. Welcoming the new couple is a time to make new friends, learn new things and the couple grows to learn to depend on each other.
How were you welcomed or have you heard a tale of the welcome of a new bride in the unit from an army wife, do share and let us know? We will add them to this list.
I am Married to the Olive Green and I’m writing about the 26 things which I get to do/experience that you as a Civilian wife do not!
I hope you come back again tomorrow!
Meanwhile, here is an easy Chicken recipe from my Food Blog to try out!
I’m on co-host Pam’s Unconventional Alliance Team along with Parul from Happiness and Food, Rajlakshmi from The Twinkle Eyed Traveler andDestiny’s Child and Claire from A Field Trip Life
Wow! Spending night in a tent or with the animals must feel really wild no 😉
Though I loved the idea of an officer pretending to note down minutest of wedding details, that would be so much fun.
It might feel weird or embarrassing on the spot but like you rightly said, it surely must make for memories to be treasured and talk about often.
Loved this post Indy & Shalzzz <3
There are much worse things. Another officer’s wife pretending as your husband’s first wife! Ride on a tractor from the airport till the unit with band and music! Gosh 😛 Thanks for dropping by, ME!
What ?
Another woman pretending as your husband’s first wife would give the newly-wed bride a heart attack.
OMG what pranks and definitely super fun for spectators ?
I am glad you enjoyed the post! ME , The wedding list is my favorite too. A lady actually got a detailed list written by her father as a record for her and handed it over to the officer. 😀 It was studied in great detail!!
Sounds like you did get off easy, Shalzzz 🙂
Of course, I did 😛
Yes, she definitely did!! I know 😀 😉 Thanks VInay.
How nice Shalini to have a bonanza of a post 1+1 free. Inderpreet’s input was equally informative and entertaining.
Thank you 🙂 Glad that you liked the post(s).
Thank you BellyBytes. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
The post looks great, Thank you so much for asking me to write for your blog Shalini. I love all that you are doing. Keep writing!
Wowowow. . Those are some cool episodes .. and why not the best way to know and meet and be friends with new people is to have a good laugh .. We don’t forget good times .. I am sure you will remeber some of the Jr. Officers all through now. .
I was laughing at all episode tent with animals.. middle of no where .. Excellent. ..
wow…that is sweet ragging indeed….didn’t know army had this side too….thats a perfect recipe for leg pulling for a lifetime ….inderpreet’s list was hilarious….poor brides:-)…..april whizzed by….oh how much i enjoyed reading your theme Shalini!….keep it up!
Grand ?
Wonderful experience ?
Splendid initiations. I was already married when my husband joined the U.S. Military back in the 1970’s, so I guess I missed all the good fun.
The Army and it’s charms, how wonderful!
Tina from Twinkling Tina Cooks
You lucky girls.. such a warm welcome. We don’t have any such fond memories to talk about. I am thinking how would it be sharing the room with tied animals. I wouldn’t sleep for sure.
Totally agree…. these ideas are ingenious and creative and yet at the same time, they will help you bond with the others. You don’t feel like an outsider when surrounded by laughter and such pranks. 🙂
My Recent Entries for the #AtoZChallenge –
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hahahaha that’s such a fun list. I actually didn’t know about this tradition. ROFL room full of animal!! that’s hilarious 😀
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
This is so wonderful, kind of like a cute take on college ragging! I am sure both you Indy and Shalzz will have these memories tucked away for ever! A heist and a hold-up really? Hahaha, ingenious indeed! Enjoyed this post ladies 🙂
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
I love reading about the military life. This is not only hilarious, but a great way of making the new bride feel less shy. After that, there’s no way you could still be shy lol
Debbie
This sounds so interesting. Never knew about all this. I’m getting to know the various facets of army life through your blog.
Wow! What fun and naughty pranks to welcome the new bride. And they sure do make for some interesting stories later on!
loved reading d pranks.
@2richajindal
http://richajindal.com/watch-food-taking/
That was such a fun read Inderpreet. I think I’d have died of embarrassment. The tractor ride and the night with the animals seem like the easy bits. Kudos to the two of you for having braved it all.
Thank you Obsessive Mom, it is not that embarrassing 😉 too much going on to let you feel shy!