Minnu

The Minnu is the central wedding ornament of Syrian Christian brides in Kerala. It is a gold pendant, leaf-shaped, with a cross embedded in the centre — the Christian symbol distinguishing it from the Hindu Thali of the same region.

The Minnu is given by the groom and tied around the bride's neck at the Minnukettu ceremony, which parallels the Hindu Talikettu. The word 'minnu' is believed to derive from a Malayalam word for 'gleam' or 'shine.'

Minnu designs vary slightly between Syrian Catholic, Jacobite, Marthoma, and Knanaya families. The cross form and placement differ by denomination, though the leaf shape is broadly consistent.