Marriage is the legally and culturally sanctioned union of a man and a woman. The basis of marriage varies considerably in different societies. Now question arises why do people get married and how do marriages take place in different customs? In most marriage ceremonies, customs or contracts involve a set of rights and duties such as care and protection. The couple promise to love and care each other as long as they live. They formally accept each other as husband and wife and often exchange rings and garlands as symbols of their vows. There is generally an expectation that children will born of the union to continue the respective family line.
There are generally two types of marriage; civil marriage or arranged marriage. In most countries, people can choose either civil or religious marriage ceremony. In Indian sub-continent the ceremony may be held at the house of the bride to be solemnized by a priest or holy man. In Western countries as well as in some other parts of the world including India the ceremony often takes place in Churches, Gurudwaras or Temples.
It is also a tradition in some societies particularly in Asian regions for the bride to bring a dowry of her own wealth for groom’s family. The ill effects of such a practice sometimes cause a great deal of tension where mutual understanding does not always work between the families of bride and groom.
In India marriages are arranged generally by the bride’s and groom’s parents —sometimes through the marriage bureaus or marriage negotiators. With the advent of modern trends civil marriages are also taking place slowly. These trends have provided better legal status for women within marriage. In Western countries registration of marriage is obligatory.
Weddings are a time of great celebration and festivity. Guests bring presentations for bride and groom and wish them a happy conjugal life. The bride and groom wear beautiful dresses that are specially made or purchased. Glittering ornaments are the added attraction for the bride.