Essay On Marriage Ceremony

African Marriage Rites Essay
African Marriage Rites The African marriage rites are very important to the African peoples. The
marriage rites are followed strictly and are very traditional. Marriage is the beginning of new life
and when two people become one.
In African Traditional Religion, marriage is a cherished fecundity and is intended for procreation.
Marriage involves not only interpersonal relations but also intercommunity relations. The survival of
kinship in the social structure depends on marriage; marriage always establishes very strong bonds
between the individuals belonging to different families and clans, especially when children are born.
When a community seeks out a wife or a son–in–law, they look for one that lives up to their...show
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The purpose of marriage is the social reproduction of the kinship group.
The entire community, including living and deceased, are involved in the marriage process. There
are certain rituals and taboos that must be observed in regard to marriage. Respect of in–laws and
the observance of distance between in–laws, just to name a few. Prayers and sacrifices are offered to
the ancestors on behalf of the groom and the bride. Fertility and healthy deliveries are prayed for.
A marriage ceremony takes place over a certain period of time. Marriage in African Traditional
Religions isn't simply saying a few words. Marriage is a step by step process taken on by the entire
community. Several ceremonies and rituals are preformed over time and at different locations.
The stages of marriage differ from community to community but there are basic stages. First,
friendship exists between the groom and the bride. Second, courtship is done but in some
communities isn't needed. Lastly, bride wealth is giving to the bride's family. It is a means of
providing privileges to children at their mother's home of origin. Without a bride wealth, no man
can claim any child as his. Dowry is also given to help the families of the couple getting married
because the families loose both of their contributions to their families.
There are different forms of marriage. Monogamy is a form of marriage, which means a man stays
devoted to one woman but this is
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The Ritual Of Marriage Essay
Marriage is universal; in fact, all cultures have social or legal contracts that join two or more people
in matrimony. The ritual of marriage is religious to some individuals, signifying a divine covenant
with another, while to others marriage is a secular contract. This particular ritual has fluctuated
between the two throughout generations and cultures. Historically, these matrimonial contracts
solidified alliances and were frequently arranged by entire families or even nations. While these
matrimonial alliances are still widely practiced throughout the world today, a majority of marriages
in western countries espouse for other reasons. Whether Americans marry for procreation, wealth, or
love, the rituals that dramatize the important themes in our modern society have evolved into a
multibillion dollar industry. The economically fortunate often hire wedding planners to organize an
extravagant ceremony, dinner, and party envious to all attendees. Alas, even those on tight budgets
will spend well above their means for a beautiful and memorable night. While many couples
dramatize the themes of love, family, and celebration, the ritual of matrimony has progressed into an
increasingly elaborate affair. Contemporary brides show heightened desire to have perfection on
their special day, desperately seeking the most beautiful dress, unique decorations, and an
unparalleled ceremony and reception. This dramatizes modern themes in American society of
competition, individuality, social

Essay on Traditional Marriage
The Meaning Behind 'Traditional Marriage"
"In Sacred Rite or Civil Right," Howard Moody, a Baptist minister, discusses his inner thoughts on
the subject of marriage. He explains the tradition of marriage and informs the rights and freedoms
of the people along with describing how it all affects people whether they are against it or with it.
Most Christians of all denominations believe that a "traditional marriage" is the union between two
people of the opposite sex and only have one significant other. Moody explains, "Christians feel
superior about their 'tradition' of marriage, I would remind them that their scriptural basis is not as
clear about marriage as we might hope" (353 Moody). He discusses how in the Bible that some
important...show more content...
He believes that if these options were fine with society, the rate of divorce would have never
reached as high as nearly 50 percent. He also states the differences of marriage between religion and
state. The state sees marriage as a contract between a "man and woman in order to protect money,
property, and children" and religion sees marriage as a spiritual and romantic union between two
people (355 Moody). 'Faith in America', a group based on religious views, even states, "Every
American citizen has the right and freedom to marry the person they love without regard to race,
gender, nationality, religion or any other social category" (FIA). This claims that one'srights should
not be taken away due to any circumstance, whether society views it correct or not.
Many people, whether they are for a "traditional marriage" or not, are either extremely affected by
it or just don't care. Some people just ignore it and don't bother to say anything while others are
constantly bickering about the morality of the matter. Some see same gender marriages as
disgraceful, wrong, and incredibly sinful, while others go about their ways and do not give it much
attention. "Why would we as Americans not want our government and its laws to recognize that
same marriage sanctity for gay and lesbian individuals in

Essay about The Concept of Marriage
Marriage is the bonding between people by social union or legal contract. Marriage is when two
people have a wedding ceremony to exchange vows before God and their family. People spend
hundreds to thousands of dollars on wedding ceremonies for something they have no clue of what
they are getting into. Different cultures have their own concept of marriage. I am going to explore the
biblical and social concept of marriage. People enter into marriage for different reasons. These
reasons may include social, economical, religious, emotional, or for legal reasons. There are a lot of
expectations on both parties entering into a marriage agreement. If these expectations are not
fulfilled, people handle the problems differently. The overall...show more content...
More and more women are in the work–force as single moms. Marriage once was the thing to do
before anything else was accomplished. Over the years that number has declined drastically. In 1960,
two–thirds (68%) of all twenty–somethings were married. In 2008, just 26% were. Today that
number is declining more in the United States based on an income–gap (Pew Research Center). A
controversial issue in today's society is same–sex marriage that has also affected the decline of
marriages in men and women.
Cohabiting has played another key factor in this decline. Most young adults want to take a trial run
to be sure the partner is suitable enough to "tie the knot" with. They seek the friends with benefits
concept and spend the rest of their young adulthood seeking that thrill. Today, marriage is at the
bottom of the list. Most want to be financial stable before entering into marriage. Then there are
some that are seeking to find their soul mate or the "perfect" mate.
My concept of finding someone that is marriage material is based on the individual. Sometimes
we can have our standards set so high we spend our entire lives searching for a fantasy. Once that
person wakes up and face reality, they should ask the question do I want to be alone the rest of my
life. There are people looking for a certain mate to fulfill their needs when they are not willing to
fulfill those same needs for themselves or another individual. Spending the rest

Essay on Jewish Marriage
Marriage is a significant part of Judaism bringing together a woman and man under God's reign. It
is the mitzvah (122) "To marry a wife by means of ketubah and keddushin" (Deut 22:13), all
Jewish adherents see marriage as a necessity in order to obey God and to experience the fullness
of life. In Genesis God says: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable
for him." It is a link between individuals and the wider community as it recognises two individuals
coming together, celebrated by the wider community. Also themarriage ceremony itself contains
symbolic significance to Judaism, conveying Jewish beliefs through symbols, actions and words.
The mitzvah of marriage is especially important as it involves what...show more content...
During the preparations of the marriage a "ketubah" (pre–nuptial agreement) is presented from the
groom to the bride (as the mitzvah of marriage states should happen). It is written in Aramaic, the
original language used in the earlier generations showing the significance of tradition for Jews
(mainly orthodox and conservative). This document outlines the responsibilities of the husband
during the marriage and if the marriage terminates. It is important because it is the way the
community can ensure the individuals are protected should something go wrong and there is support
of the woman in case of death or divorce.
Other preparations of marriage include the bride immersing in a mikvah (ritual bath) to cleanse
herself for her new life with her husband. Also both bride and groom fast on the day of their
wedding. Both these practices highlight the significance of marriage as they are both practices used
to mark an important holy event in Judaism, for example, Jewish people fast on "Yom Kippur" the
most holy day of the Jewish year. Preparing in this way allows the man and woman to mentally
prepare them

Essay on Christian Marriage
Christian Marriage
Introduction and background.
Christian Marriage, also called Matrimony is a sacrament in which a man and a woman publicly
declare their love and fidelity in front of witnesses, a priest or minister and God. The It is seen by
all Christian churches as both a physical and spiritual fulfillment. Christianity emphasises that the
sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a lifetime commitment. So they are no longer two, but one.
Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."' –Matthew 19:6.
Saint Paul interpreted the word of Christ on divorce and wrote "To the married I give charge, not I
but the Lord, that the wife should not separate from her husband, but if she does, let her remain
single or else be...show more content...
He stipulates that man must love give himself to his wife, as Jesus gave Himself to the Church.
Marriage amongst Christian variants.
In the Roman Catholic Church, the ceremony is conducted within the house of God; some
circumstances can warrant the marriage to take place outside of a church, for example one party
is unable to appear in the church due to illness. In Catholic marriages, is believed that God blesses
the couple and completes the union and it is the couple who marry each other, the priest or
minister does not, rather he is a witness of the Church. The couple recite the marriage vows in front
of each other, the witnesses (attendees and the priest/minister) and God. These vows serve as a
promise to each other and to the church to fulfill their marital obligations, as they are now
considered to be 'one flesh'.
Within the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Sacred Mystery of Marriage recognises, under the church,
the union of the couple; however God's union of the couple has been in progress throughout the
relationship. The married couple's unity represents the unity between the Father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit; the joy, sadness and suffering that the couple experiences throughout their marriage
emulates Jesus' own life, death and resurrection.
The Orthodox Churches teach that the husband and wife are the 'King

Essay on Wedding Traditions
Marriage is a ceremony or union recognized by law that is shared by many cultures. The first
example of a marriage ceremony was between Adam and Eve, back in the biblical era. The proof
of this union can be found in the first testament where it is stated "At last, this is now bone of my
bones, and flesh of my flesh."(Genesis Chapter 1) It paved the path for the idea of two becoming
one. It also was the setting that gave birth to the importance of marriage before sexual intercourse.
After that most believed it to be a sin to engage in intercourse if you weren't married. In earlier
traditions marriage was thought to be between a man and women, or some even recognize it as
being between multiple men and women. "Esau had three wives" –...show more content...
The "Something new symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. A borrowed item reminds the bride
that her family will be there to help her, and blue is the ancient color of loyalty and faithfulness." (
Wedding Traditions in the United States) Conventionally marriage in the US is based off love. It
is not the norm to have prearranged marriages or have multiple spouses. It is however not
uncommon to get divorced and then remarry. The engagement process used to begin with
obtaining permission from the father of the bride to be. Now it has become more important to find
acceptance in both families. Asking for the daughters hand in marriage has currently become an act
of good manners. The proposal process usually involves an engagement ring in which the man
suggests she accept the ring in exchange for her hand in marriage. If she says yes, they must decide
on a date or a long engagement. After a date is chosen, the planning process starts. Engagement can
last from several months to several years. Details in the consideration of planning involve the
invitations, food, cake, flowers, gifts, dГ©cor, a venue, and photographer. In our community it has
becomes more popular for the ceremony to be what is considered "traditional", rather than strictly
religious. Traditional weddings usually are those held in a venue other than a church and are not
always lead by a minister. Weddings come in many different forms.

Marriage Essay
Marriage
What does marriage mean? By definition, marriage is "the legal union of a man and a woman as
husband and wife" (Webster's Dictionary). Most people claim that they want their marriage to last a
lifetime. Because over half of all marriages in the United States end in a divorce, most people lack
the understanding of what it takes to stay married. I believe that couples should become more aware
of the commitment that they are making when they enter into marriage.
Men and women should get to know one another completely before deciding to get married.
Important issues such as religion, finances, career, and whether or not to have children should be
discussed so that the couple can learn each other's views regarding the...show more content...
Why did they not discuss this issue before they got married or did they think the other one would
change after saying their wedding vows? Marriage is not about changing someone; instead, it is
about loving your partner for his or her beliefs.
Rather than giving up and ending the marriage, many couples could save the marriage by trying to
work through the problems that arise. Many people do not realize how much hard work has to be
put into a marriage for it to be successful. When planning a wedding, some couples spend a lot of
time preparing the vows that will be exchanged during the ceremony, but sadly the partners fail to
live by the vows day after day. Scores of married couples drift apart because their hectic lives do not
allow them to spend enough quality time together, which is important for a healthy marriage.
Communication is also an essential factor in working through problems in a marriage.
Entering into marriage for the wrong reason usually leads to divorce. Sometimes an individual
will say that he or she married for money, or he or she may claim to have married for love. Many
times, lust is mistaken for love; consequently, when the passion ends so does the marriage. Some
people choose to marry wealthy people solely to gain financial security, but eventually they will find
that money does not lead to happiness. Others enter into marriage believing that it is a cure–all that
will make

Essay On Marriage Ceremony

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Essay On Marriage Ceremony