KANNUR: It was a marriage with a difference. A perfect union of an Albanian beauty with a handsome youth of the Gods' own country. And, the Holy Trinity Cathedral at Burnassery in Kannur set the stage for the rare marriage performed in Catholic traditional rituals with an Albanian tinge. When Dixon, 28, a software engineer working in London tied the knot with Juliana, 26, of Albania, a gathering of more than 60 citizens of Albania including the parents and relatives of the bride had turned up at the Burnassery Cathedral to watch the ceremony.
Dixon, a native of Padiyottuchal in Kannur district, fell in love with his classmate Juliana, when they were doing their PG course in engineering under the University of London. The parents of Juliana, a native of Saranda in Albania, had no objection to their daughter marrying an Indian. The engagement took place in Albania following the customs in that country. Marriage arrangements were always exogamous and made by the head of the household, according to the Albanian custom. And children were sometimes betrothed even before birth in order to establish friendship or peace with another clan. Religious differences between families were no obstacle for marriages in Albania.
Albanians are exceptionally generous and hospitable. A person invited to dinner will be given enough to “feed an army” even though the host may go hungry the next day. According to Gjon Dervishi, a senior citizen of Albania, who was present at the marriage function, the bridegroom has to pay for the brides’ dress and for all other expenses.
But if the bride does have an income, she can help the family with wedding expenses. Usually Albanian weddings are too expensive.