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Marriage Rites
 * Marriage** is a religious, social, spiritual or legal union of two or more individuals. **Marriage rites** are ceremonies in which the union of the two individuals are performed. Marriage rites vary greatly among the cultures, social classes, countries, races and religions of the world. For most rites around the world, vows and gifts are exchanged, and the marriage is proclaimed by a public leader. Marriage rituals are parts of the rites of passage, which are performed at key transitional points in an individual's life. They are often performed in conjunction with fertility rituals.

**Table of Contents**
 * 1) Common Elements
 * 2) History
 * 3) Customs Around the World
 * 4) Religious Aspects of Marriage Rites
 * 5) See also
 * 6) External Links

**Common Elements** For most cultures around the world, marriage rites include ornate dress and religious ceremony. In many cases, both the bride and the groom perform rituals before the marriage rite, or wedding. After the marriage is performed in either a civil or religious ceremony (often both), further rituals, celebrations and feasts are done to celebrate the union.

**History** Marriage predates recorded history, and for some cultures, such as that of the Chinese, has mythological or legendary origins. Marriage, however, has evolved as an institution in itself, as well as in its religious aspects.

**Europe ** For much of European history, marriage was considered only to be a business arrangement between two families. Love was not considered essential in arrangement, and in many ways was considered to be just a means of exchanging wealth, prestige and/or nobility between the two families. Marriage was also considered as a means of settling feuds or of making peace between rulers of warring parties or countries.

In ancient Greece and Rome, marriage could be done with a simple agreement or declaration to marry. Divorce could happen in the same way. From 30 AD until 1454 AD, it was common in Europe for Christian marriages to happen simply by mutual consent and the declaration of marriage. Priests were not required in such "ceremonies". Upon the Council of Trent, however, in 1545, the Roman Catholic Church mandated that marriage be recognized only if it were performed by a Roman Catholic priest in the presence of two witnesses. This set the stage for mandated ceremonies in Europe itself.

**Customs Around the World** Marriage rite customs vary greatly around the world. A selection of them is chosen for this article.

__ Europe and North America __ In Western society it is common for the bride to wear a white dress at weddings as a symbol of purity. White dresses or veils are not considered appropriate if this is not the bride's first marriage (i.e. she's a divorcee). Weddings are often followed by a reception, the cutting of a wedding cake, and the tossing of a bouquet. Symbols of fertility, such as a small child walking in a procession with the bride, or rice or birdseed that is thrown, are often used to wish the bride and groom fertility. Symbols of prosperity, such as bread (in Poland) and dowries are given to wish the bride and groom prosperity.

__Japan__ Marriage rites, such as in Shinto ceremonies, are similarly elaborate. The bride and groom wear traditional clothing, such as the kimono for the bride. The bride wears heavy make-up, a wig, a head-covering and a kimono.

The bride and the groom then have professional photos taken of them. Afterwards, the bride, the groom and the guests are taken to the Shinto shrine. A Shinto priest conducts the ceremony and purifies the bride and groom. The bride and groom, in a symbol of their union, then exchange cups of sake.

After the ceremony (or rite), the bride and groom go to a reception room. The bride and the groom make three dramatic entrances into the room. The first and most important, features the bride and groom walking onto the stage—which symbolizes a stable marriage. The second features the couple walking in with white smoke in the room, and the third features one in which a pink light is shown at the couple. Afterwards, toasts, a feast, and congratulations are given in honor of the bride and groom.  __ The Arab World__ Marriage rites in the Arab world are significantly influenced by Islam. They typically start with a Shaikh and Al-Kitab for the bride and groom. The groom visits the bride, with observers to ensure the purity of action of the two, before the wedding. During the wedding, men and women sit in segregated areas. After the ceremony, guests give gifts to the newly wedded couple. In some countries, such as Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, the guests carry the couple on chairs and dance around them.


 * Religious Aspects of Marriage Rites**

Marriage is a life-long union of two people, according to most religions in the world. A selection of religious aspects of marriage rites is given here.

__Christianity__ All Christians believe that marriage as a rite represents the relationship between Christ, his Church and God. Christian churches in general bless marriage. The Roman Catholic Church in particular believes that marriage is one of the seven sacraments and is thus sacred and lifelong. Marriages can only be cancelled through annullment, in which the marriage is said to not have happened at all.

__Islam__ Islam recommends marriage highly and believes that marriage helps bring about spiritual perfection. A marriage under Islam is not valid unless both parties consent, even in the cases of arranged marriage. Marriage is done through a contract called the "nikah"-- literally "contract" in Arabic.

__Hinduism __ Marriage rites are done in Sanskrit, the language of the Hindu scriptures. Weddings last for several days. The groom and bride give each other garlands and have a feast with the guests. Afterwards, the religious ceremony is carried out by a Hindu priest and has a fire-sacrifice, in which the fire witnesses the marriage while the priest recites verses from the Vedas. The bride and groom circle the fire seven times, representing their matrimonial vows.

**See Also** [|Wedding] [|Marriage] [|Islamic marital jurisprudence]

[|Marriage- Encyclopedia Britannica] [|Ancient Greek Marriages] [|Catholic marriage- "Save Our Sacrament"] [|Islamic Marriage Philosophy] [|Hindu Marriage Customs]
 * External Links**