Research and questions and answers on Marriage.

3. My opinion:

→ In my view, arrange marriages have both positive as well as negative aspects as a coin always has two sides. The goal of happiness is an important part of arranged marriages. In cultures where arranged marriage is still practiced, parents regard marriage as a sacred duty, and want to ensure that their children are provided with good. They strive to make matches which please their children, and some couples in arranged marriages have said that while their partnership did not start out with love, the spouses grew affection for each other and formed a committed team. This is the reason why cultures with arranged marriages seem to have less divorces than love marriages which break easily. These days, parents look for spouses for their children and only if both the children approve of the relation, they marry else they do not. Children are usually given time like 4-6 months to know each other well and fall in love before getting married so, I do not oppose arranged marriages completely as in my own culture, we have to have parent’s consent even if we want to marry with the person we love. It’s always good to seek opinion of parents because they always want our happiness and prosperity.

2. Same-Sex Marriage:

1. Bibliography: 

        

2. Summary of the article:

• Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage) is a legally or socially recognized marriage (not in all countries) between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. In 2001, the  became the first nation in the world to grant . Same-sex marriages are also granted and mutually recognized by  (2003),  (2005),  (2005),  (2006),  (2009),  (2009), (2010),  (2010) and  (2010). In Mexico same sex marriage is recognized in all 31 states but only performed in Mexico City. In , their recognition has been judicially mandated but not yet legislated. 250 million people (or 4% of the world population) live in areas that recognize same-sex marriage. One argument against same-sex marriage arises from a rejection of the use of the word "marriage" as applied to same-sex couples where as arguments for same-sex marriage arises from Universal Human Rights which states all individual’s equality. This concept of marriage is regarded to be a sin in some cultures.

3. My opinion:

• I do not think that same-sex marriages are in any case bad. Every human being has the right to choose a partner of his/her choice and the choice should be granted and approved. This type of marriage must be made legal worldwide. Arguments on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate are still often made on religious grounds. Some religious organizations (citing their religious beliefs) refuse to provide employment, public accommodations, adoption services and other benefits to same-sex couples. This is totally embarrassing and should not be done.

3. Polygamy:

1. Bibliography: 

2. Summary of the article:

→Polygamy is a marriage which includes more than two partners. Polygamy exists in three specific forms:  - where a man has multiple simultaneous wives;  - where a woman has multiple simultaneous husbands; or  - where the family unit consists of multiple husbands and multiple wives. Historically, all three practices have been found, but polygyny is by far the most common. Confusion arises when the broad term "polygamy" is used when a specific form of polygamy is being referred to. Additionally, different countries may or may not include all forms in their Polygamy laws. Some countries do not allow polyandry and consider it to be a sin. Cultures where polygamy refers only to polygyny, there arises an issue of gender discrimination where rights of women are hindered.

3. My opinion:

•   In my view, polygamy is not good to practice. If it is practiced and legalized, then women should also have equal rights as men in marrying more than one partner. The notion of male ownership of women is out of date. Thus 'marriage' is not longer a woman being a 'slave' to her husband. However, I think multiple partner marriage may work where both men and women are married in a group setting, sharing each other equally. Of course this is something that all partners should agree to and want to participate in and not be forced.
  

4. Interracial Marriage:

4. Bibliography: 

5. Summary of the article:

•  Interracial marriage occurs when two people each of differing  groups . Interracial marriages have a hard go at it. The most common external factors influencing  relationships and marriages are the acceptance of the family and the society in which the couple lives. Sometime, the families of the partners display rejection, resistance, hostility and lack of acceptance for their partner. Specific issues regarding the ; including generational gaps in , and how the  will be held; which ties into how  will or will not be practiced as some common issues of debates in Interracial marriages. Many intercultural couples report conflict arising over issues of how to carry out child raising and religious worship as well. This sort of marriage is legally accepted in most countries of the world.

6. My opinion:

•  I think interracial marriages should not be viewed wrongly. Couples often suffer from problems of differences between their cultural beliefs and customs. Ethnic groups bring variety and richness to a society by introducing their own ideas and customs. Interracial marriages introduce such variety.  In a perfect world, everyone should celebrate this.  

5. Child Brides:

7. Bibliography: 

8. Summary of the article:

  →Child marriage usually refers to two separate social phenomena which are practiced in some societies. The first and more widespread practice is that of marrying a young child (generally defined as below the age of fifteen) to an adult due to women's shorter reproductive life period (relative to men's). Child marriage usually refers to two separate social phenomena which are practised in some societies. The first and more widespread practice is that of marrying a young child (generally defined as below the age of fifteen) to an adult. Due to women's shorter reproductive life period (relative to men's), perhaps, the practice of child marriage tends to be of young girls to fully-grown men.The second practice is a form of  in which the parents of two children from different families arrange a future . In this practice, the individuals who become  often do not meet one another until the wedding ceremony, which occurs when they are both considered to be of a marriageable age. An increase in the advocation of , whether as  or as , has caused the traditions of child marriage to be unfair and dangerous. Child brides are usually treated badly and are refused from pursuing education which totally hinders their universal rights. This marriage is common in some cultures of rural areas of Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and the Middle East. It is very important to say NO to child marriages.

9. My opinion:

→ I do not approve child marriages at all. Child brides do not often receive support from their families to say no to marriage. They are totally forced to do it. Additionally, cultural, economic, and religious aspects of the communities where they live make it nearly impossible for the girls to break free from marrying early. I feel really sad for the poor children. This problem of early, forced marriages of children is no doubt a violation of basic human rights. Around 49 countries around the globe have a significant child bride problem. This custom should be made illegal so as to save children’s lives.

C. Visit the following sites and complete the steps as follows:

        World Wedding Traditions

        

Choose (4) countries and list a custom from each one that you found interesting.

1) Korean tradition:

In Korea, marriages are arranged by a fortune-teller, known as a kung-hap who looks into the couple’s future before they are married so as to find if the marriage will be a harmoniously one.  

Korean weddings begin with an engagement party. A custom of Korean weddings that I found to be interesting is that they are supposed to be made luxurious and expensive. At the engagement party, the man and woman along with their parents exchange gifts. There is no upper limit to their total value. It is not uncommon for families to spend $40,000 on engagement gifts which is indeed a big amount to spend on gifts alone. The gifts can include watches, silks, suits, cars, houses and even country club memberships. Since weddings are expensive, it is important to have a harmonious union.

2) Vietnamese tradition:

Weddings are very important to Vietnamese, not only to the couple involved, but also for both families. Thus, it is usually including quite a few formal ritual observances. One of the traditions I found interesting in Vietnamese marriages is the gift which the groom’s mother offers the bride’s family on the marriage day. The first gift given is a special plant, that represents respect, and the second is pink chalk, which symbolizes the colour of happiness.

Besides, on the wedding day, the groom's family and relatives go to the bride's house bringing a lot of gifts wrapped in red papers. These gifts are similar to those of the engagement: betel leaves and areca nuts, wines, fruits, cakes, tea and so on. Those who hold these trays are also carefully chosen, usually they are happily married couples.

3) Jamaican tradition:

Getting married is, of course, a rather significant commitment between two people. In Jamaica, the wedding ceremony is an integral part of the celebration, with elaborate plans and large gatherings of family and friends. A traditional wedding in Jamaica typically means the whole village or community where the couple lives is involved in the ceremony. The elaborate preparations for the ceremony include cooking great amounts of food for the reception and the baking of several cakes. A dark fruitcake liberally laced with rum is served at wedding receptions of Jamaican couples. Following the celebration, the remainder of slices of the wedding cake is later mailed to friends and relatives who were  unable to attend the wedding reception.

4) Egyptian tradition: 
Traditionally, the Egyptian wedding takes place in a church or mosque. The bride and groom wear linen outfits adorned with gold and silver. Just before the marriage vows begin, there is a musical wedding march called the Zaffa consisting of the traditional Egyptian music, belly dancers, drums horns and performers with flaming swords is shown. As in the past, many weddings in Egypt are still arranged and the groom's family often proposes to the bride’s family for marriage.

Wedding Customs From Around the World

Choose (4) countries and list a custom from each one that you found interesting.

1. Mexican wedding:

In Mexico, a traditional couple getting married is sponsored, financially, by their Godparents. They perform their roles as mentors to the bride and groom throughout their engagement, and even after they are married. An interesting tradition of Mexican weddings is that during reception, the guests form a circle around the couple in the shape of a heart.  The newlyweds will then dance their first dance together within this circle of love.

2. Weddings in Poland:

The Polish reception celebration includes lively polka music and dancing. The "money dance" is always popular at a traditional reception in Poland. Guests pin money to the bride's wedding dress to buy a dance from her. The newlyweds might put these gifts of cash towards their honeymoon expenses. The maid of honour wears an apron and collects the money given by the guest to dance with the bride. When all the guests have danced with the bride, they form a tight circle around her, and the groom tries to break through the circle while the guests try hard to keep him out. Once he breaks through, he picks up his bride and carries her away from the wedding reception. Moreover, a Polish bride is asked to drink a glass of wine, and if she does not spill a drop, she is considered lucky.        

3. French weddings:

French weddings follow a lovely and sweet custom of two handled cup called "coup de marriage".  The cup was saved to be used from one generation to another.  Of course, the custom has long been established of drinking a toast to one another, but the two handled cup adds a special touch to the weddings of today.  Until recently, these cups have been very difficult to find. Drinking from the same cup denotes "togetherness” in a French marriage.

4. Italian weddings:

Sugared almonds have for centuries been tossed by guests at the Italian wedding.  This is called "confetti". By tradition, in ancient times these delicacies were bundled in precious little bags of tulle (lace is used today) for the wedding day. They had to be white and always came in odd numbers (generally five) to represent the qualities that must always be part of the life of the new couple: 

• Health
• Fertility
• Longevity
• Happiness
• Wealth

During the wedding, the groom holds a silver tray with the confetti and the bride uses a silver spoon to offer them to guests – always distributing an odd number. 

Wedding Photos From Around the World

1. Sikh wedding, India:

2. Konopiste, Czech Republic:

3. Vietnamese wedding:

4. Bride of the Songhai tribe, Mali :