Is knanaya Jewish?

Belonging to a Jewish-Christian Ancestry, the Knanaya Christians of Kerala are believed to have reached the port of Kodungaloor (Kerala), in 345 CE, under the leadership of Thomas of Cana.

Where do knanaya people come from?

The Knānāya, (from Syriac: Knā’nāya (Canaanite)) also known as the Southists or Tekkumbhagar, are an endogamous ethnic group found among the Saint Thomas Christian community of Kerala, India. They are differentiated from another part of the community, known in this context as the Northists (Vaddakkumbhagar).

What is mavelikkara Padiyola?

The famous Holy Mavelikara Synod and the Mavelikara ‘Padiyola’ (document) are the evidence of its historical importance. Moreover, Mavelikara is the native place of Mar IvaniosMetropolitan, the servant of God, the most venerated father of Malankara Church and founder of the Re-union Movement.

What is Udayamperoor Sunnahadose?

The Synod of Diamper (Udayamperoor Synod) (Malayalam: ഉദയംപേരൂർ സൂനഹദോസ്, romanized: Udayampērūṟ Sūnahadōs), held at Udayamperoor (known as Diamper in non-vernacular sources) in 1599, was a diocesan synod, or council, that created rules and regulations for the ancient Saint Thomas Christians (also known as Mar Thoma …

Who are the Knanaya Christians?

The Knanaya Christians claim to be the descendants of 72 Jewish families who settled in Kerala in the fourth century. They get their name from a trader named Thomas Kana who led them. They marry only among descendants of their families in order to preserve their Jewish blood and keep it pure.

What is the difference between Jewish and Knanaya ceremonies?

Instead of the Jewish crown the Knanites place Venthanmudy (Royal crown) on the heads of the couple. This indicates a close affinity between Knanaya and Jewish traditions. Most interesting and attractive factor in all these ceremonies is that all of them have special songs to be sung by men or women at appropriate time.

What is the origin of the Syriac name Knanaya?

The earliest written record of the Syriac form used in reference to the community dates to the 1800s. Members of the Knanaya Community are also generally called Knāi or Knā, in reference to Thomas. Many Knanaya families, especially those of the Kaduthuruthy region maintain the surname Kinān, a derivative of Thomas’ epithet.

Are Knanaya wedding songs similar to those of Cochin Jews?

The resemblance in wording, content and style of the wedding songs of the Knanaya Christians to those of the Cochin Jews is strking. Two songs, Vazhvenna Vazhu and Ponnanintheedum, in the two versions are quite similar though in both there are minor variations.