Marriage,
matrimony or wedlock- one can ascribe different names to it, but the meaning of
the three words is the same. This is a social union between two people due to
which they become husband and wife and are joined in a conjugal relationship.
The definition of marriages may vary from one culture to another. But the basic
criteria remain the same. Marriage
is actually an institution where sexual and intimate relations between two
people are acknowledged by the society. This relationship is given a formal
sanction with the help of a wedding ceremony.
The word has been derived from the Middle English
word “marriage” which is found to have appeared in 1250-1300 BC. This word is
further derived from Old French word “Marier” which means to marry.
Most countries in the world have legalized marriages
between two people of opposite genders. Some countries have now legalized
marriages between members of the same sex. Gay and lesbian marriages are however
not sanctioned in all countries of the world. It has received recognition in
some countries of the world after much protest from the gay and lesbian
communities around the world. In many other countries, one cannot engage in
sexual activities until one has married.
Group marriages have also been in practice in many
regions of the world like Asia, Papua New Guinea, America and in other places.
This is a multi lateral matrimony in which more than two individuals marry and
form a family unit. It is usually considered that the members of one group are
married to the members of the other group. Any children born out of this
marriage setup is usually the responsibility of all the family members.
The wedding ceremony varies from one country to
another. It also differs from one culture to another culture in countries with
diverse culture like India. Wedding ceremonies are usually presided over by a
religious official of the particular religion of which the individuals are a
part, or by wedding celebrants appointed by the state or by a government
official. In many countries of the world, the civil ceremony is done first
before the religious ceremony. While in some other countries, the religious
ceremony is conducted before the civil ceremony. In Britain, USA, both the
ceremonies can be held together. This saves time and money of the married
couple. This also helps in the registration of the marriage easily. In many
countries, religious ceremonies for uniting two people are not taken seriously.
One has to be married civilly for the marriage to be legally sanctioned.
In most cultures, the wife moves in the household of
the husband after the marriage. But in some cultures, the husband often moves
in the house of the wives and stays with the in-laws.
Most cultures around the world dishonor children
born out of wedlock. They do not get social privileges and are often branded as
outcasts of the society. Often people marry to give these children a proper
name and save them from this social stigma.
Therefore, the custom of marriage has a rich history through decades.
