Family & Relationships Marriage & Divorce

The History of Marriage

Before proposing marriage it is of utmost importance to know and understand the history of marriage and its meaning. Marriage is a legally binding contract of love between a man and a woman, you can also say that it is a life-long commitment of trust, fidelity and friendship between two people of the opposite sex. The origin of marriage can be found in some of the earliest civilizations and social communities known in human existence.

Ancient hieroglyphics show that Egyptian wedding ceremonies were a normal standard and common practice. When reading the book of Genesis 2:21-25, we find one of the earliest examples of marriage history, which according to Hebrew culture, was the fundamental blueprint for matrimony.

When going through historical time lines we see that people marry for a number of reasons, some could include emotional, financial, religious, legal and social. In early history, marrying for love was not considered a practical reason for matrimony, in many cases, parents arranged marriages and used them as a way to bind two families together for territorial control and protection from opposing tribes or clans.

Check out these interesting facts:

The phrase "tying the knot" comes from a celtic tradition, it is said that both the bride and groom tied two pieces of cord or ribbon together in the marriage ceremony to symbolize their unification.

"Jumping the broom" is another phrase for marriage that has been popularized by today's African-American communities. Scholars have stated that the origin of this practice comes from West Africa and dates back from the 1600's. Many believe that the waving of the broom or jumping over it would ward off evil spirits.

Did you know that the diamond engagement ring first came on the scene in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented his new found love interest, Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring?

In Egyptian weddings, the wedding rings were placed on the third finger of the left hand, it is said that the vein in this finger, vena amoris or the "vein of love" is connected directly to the heart.

As you can see the history of marriage has many different facets and has evolved through the ages. I hope this information has enlightened you with a broader perspective on marriage history.
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Family & Relationships"
The Best Romantic Proposal Ideas
The Best Romantic Proposal Ideas
A Bad Relationship - Is it Better Than Nothing?
A Bad Relationship - Is it Better Than Nothing?
Five Ways to Build A Relationship With Your Future Mother in Law
Five Ways to Build A Relationship With Your Future Mother in Law
Relationship Letter: From A Thousand Miles
Relationship Letter: From A Thousand Miles
Love Meant For a Lifetime
Love Meant For a Lifetime
Men and Their Money: Marriage and Money
Men and Their Money: Marriage and Money
Husbands, Appreciate Your Wife
Husbands, Appreciate Your Wife
Marriage Rx
Marriage Rx
How to Check Am I Legally Married or Not?
How to Check Am I Legally Married or Not?
How Can I Save My Marriage When Nothing Is Working?
How Can I Save My Marriage When Nothing Is Working?
Choose One the Finest, Classiest Wedding Dress Stores in Atlanta
Choose One the Finest, Classiest Wedding Dress Stores in Atlanta
Don't Expect Your Spouse to Make You Whole
Don't Expect Your Spouse to Make You Whole
Common Causes Of Divorce Might Be Fighting Like Cats & Dogs
Common Causes Of Divorce Might Be Fighting Like Cats & Dogs
What Do I Do If I Think My Spouse Has Turned the Children Against Me?
What Do I Do If I Think My Spouse Has Turned the Children Against Me?
Separation Agreements -Making Your Divorce Easier
Separation Agreements -Making Your Divorce Easier
Nine Ways to Stay Out of Court in 2009
Nine Ways to Stay Out of Court in 2009
Manglik Dosha: An Analysis
Manglik Dosha: An Analysis
How to Search for Someone's Marriage License
How to Search for Someone's Marriage License
Free Marriage Advice That Is Invaluable
Free Marriage Advice That Is Invaluable
The Unexpected Divorce Challenges That May Crop Up During Your Divorce Proceedings
The Unexpected Divorce Challenges That May Crop Up During Your Divorce Proceedings

Leave Your Reply

*