bobcat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern Calif
It has been a cultural cornerstone of society dating back thousands of years. In the distant past, it was often a more transactional institution for consolidation of power and resources. Many were arranged, and some still are. As the idea of personal freedom began to take hold, the idea to marry for love became the more prominent practice.
In early societies, tribal leaders and elders performed them. Slowly priests and religious figures assumed this role signifying that it was ordained by God, and therefore somehow blessed, even though different religions may have different Gods. In the secular way of life, it was more of a civil contract performed by city officials.
Traditions vary widely from jumping over a broom to spreading a garment over the bride, and many others. In some cultures, no officiant was even required. If the couple began living together with the father's consent, they just had a ritual, and were considered husband and wife. In other societies, a man and woman needed a chaperone on dates to make sure no hanky-panky happened. Also a priest couldn't un-marry you, as it required some sort of dissolution contract. Some religious institutions even regarded marriage as a sacred contract that couldn't be broken by civil laws.
Then there is annulment. In times past, if there was misrepresentation, the marriage could be annulled for a variety of reasons. If the marriage isn't consummated (No sex), in some cases, it can be annulled by some churches, and even in some courts if consummation is refused or unable to be performed by only one of the participants. If a wife discovers her husband is impotent, she could get an annulment, but if she continues to live with him after discovering it, then it's off the table.
Who is allowed to officiate a wedding can vary widely from state to state, and could be a fake Elvis, or your cousin, as long as they get some document from an organization that may not even have any religious affiliation. In addition, even if your marriage was legally valid where it was performed, it must be recognized as valid in a state with more stringent requirements. A couple of states even have Common Law Marriages.
I don't know how other countries perform marriages, or all the complexities surrounding them, but there does seem to be declining rates due to financial and emotional reasons in divorce. There is more Living Apart Together, Cohabitating, Committed Relationships, and private ceremonies. The union idea isn't disappearing—it’s being redefined. People still crave connection, but they’re choosing formats that better suit their values, lifestyles, and emotional needs, although the most churches probably don't approve.
In early societies, tribal leaders and elders performed them. Slowly priests and religious figures assumed this role signifying that it was ordained by God, and therefore somehow blessed, even though different religions may have different Gods. In the secular way of life, it was more of a civil contract performed by city officials.
Traditions vary widely from jumping over a broom to spreading a garment over the bride, and many others. In some cultures, no officiant was even required. If the couple began living together with the father's consent, they just had a ritual, and were considered husband and wife. In other societies, a man and woman needed a chaperone on dates to make sure no hanky-panky happened. Also a priest couldn't un-marry you, as it required some sort of dissolution contract. Some religious institutions even regarded marriage as a sacred contract that couldn't be broken by civil laws.
Then there is annulment. In times past, if there was misrepresentation, the marriage could be annulled for a variety of reasons. If the marriage isn't consummated (No sex), in some cases, it can be annulled by some churches, and even in some courts if consummation is refused or unable to be performed by only one of the participants. If a wife discovers her husband is impotent, she could get an annulment, but if she continues to live with him after discovering it, then it's off the table.
Who is allowed to officiate a wedding can vary widely from state to state, and could be a fake Elvis, or your cousin, as long as they get some document from an organization that may not even have any religious affiliation. In addition, even if your marriage was legally valid where it was performed, it must be recognized as valid in a state with more stringent requirements. A couple of states even have Common Law Marriages.
I don't know how other countries perform marriages, or all the complexities surrounding them, but there does seem to be declining rates due to financial and emotional reasons in divorce. There is more Living Apart Together, Cohabitating, Committed Relationships, and private ceremonies. The union idea isn't disappearing—it’s being redefined. People still crave connection, but they’re choosing formats that better suit their values, lifestyles, and emotional needs, although the most churches probably don't approve.
