Wedding Research Articles

‘Forget your people and your father’s house’ (Ps 45:11): The Hebrew Bible, marriage rites and spousal abuse in contemporary Ghana

Spousal abuse is one of the foremost threats to peaceful coexistence in families the world over. In Ghana, stakeholders, particularly Christian leaders, have raised concerns about the increasing violence associated with spousal abuse, which sometimes results in the death of victims. Although both men and women suffer abuse in marriages, those meted out to women are prevalent. While substantial effort has been made by biblical scholars to discuss these problems in the light of the New Testament teachings on marriage, a gap still remains on what light the Hebrew Bible could shed on these matters. This article, using the distinctive interest approach of African biblical hermeneutics, examines Psalm 45 as a text of Hebrew Poetry intended to accompany the marriage ritual. It argues that the portrayal of the bride and groom, and the admonitions offered in the psalm contain some of the same disturbing elements present in contemporary Ghanaian marriage celebrations, elements that engender spousal abuse. The article proposes both a theological and cultural review of these elements as a way of attenuating their combined negative effect on the marriage institution in contemporary Ghana.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This brings African biblical hermeneutics into dialogue with issues in gender studies, World Christianity, Pastoral Theology and the Exegesis of the Hebrew Psalter.

TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE IN THE TENGGER COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE OF ACCULTURATION THEORY

<p>This research aims to analyze the acculturation of traditional marriage practices within the Tengger community, specifically investigating whether there has been a shift in customary marriage procedures following the introduction of Hinduism. To address this research question, the researcher collected data on two key traditional marriage ceremonies: Walagara and Pewawihan. In Tengger custom, these ceremonies are essential for validating a marriage. Without them, the marriage is neither recognized nor legalized according to customary law. This raises a significant inquiry on whether Walagara and Pewawihan are purely traditional customs or have been acculturated with Hindu values. The findings indicate that while Walagara and Pewawihan remain part of Tengger's heritage, their implementation has changed. Specifically, the prayers recited during these ceremonies now incorporate Hindu elements. The researcher concludes that Walagara and Pewawihan consist of two distinct components: the ritual movements, which align with Tengger custom, and the prayers, which reflect Hindu influences.</p>

Akulturasi Budaya Batak Angkola dan Batak Toba Dalam Upacara Adat Perkawinan di Desa Padang Parsadaan, Kecamatan Pangaribuan

Traditional marriage ceremonies in the Bataknese community, especially Batak Angkola and Batak Toba have very unique rules and traditions. Exogamus marriage in Batak Toba forbid marriages between the same and as well as Batak Angkola which applies a patrilineal system with the “jujur” custom involving the payment of sinamot from the man to the woman,the main reason of marriage for the society of Batak Angkola and Batak Toba are to reach prosperty (hamoraon) owning many descendants (hagabeon) and obtaining honor (hasangapon). Acculturation is the process where elements from two or more diff cultural grups interact and live together then integrate into their own culture without losing their original cultural identity. In the village Padang Parsadaan, cultural acculturation happens between the culture Batak Angkola and Batak Toba in the traditional marriage ceremonies, initially society has resistance to this acculturation, but after a long disscussion, cultural integration started to be accepted and applied. This acculturation process arms to create social harmony but still maintaining their own cultural identity. This observation uses descriptive qualitive method with analytical approach for understanding the process and impact of acculturation. The result of this observation shows that acculturation enrich the social life and societies culture and increasing the intercultural tolerance in the village Padang Parsadaan. Acculturation also helps younger generation undestand and adapt to changes, however acculturation needs effort and support together from society and traditional leaders to over obstacles and ensuring the continuation of cultural acculturation especially traditional marriage ceremonies.

A Comparison of the Extensibility of Marriage in Ancient Greek and Chinese Taoist Traditions

Abstract: In ancient societies, people experienced different wedding rituals under Chinese Taoist culture and in ancient Greece. Women of various social backgrounds faced distinctive treatment. Comparing two kinds of cultural settings, this paper will analyze how these distinct married conventions manifest the past broader societal perspectives and morality towards power dynamics, involving rules, status, and rituals for couples. In addition, this research purposely focuses on their societal structures and gender roles, promoting gender equality and diminishing patriarchal for future development. In ancient Greek society, particularly in Athens and Sparta, this paper reveals that marriage was an important process that reflected family ties and societal expectations, leading to limited rights for women. In contrast, Chinese Taoism approached marriage more practically, this culture emphasized the balance of yin and yang and announced a more egalitarian perspective with some limitations. Utilizing a comparative analysis method, the study gathers insights into the marriage customs of both civilizations. This investigation illuminates the evolution of marital norms and encourages contemporary discussions about relationships and gender roles.

Pot breaking in the wedding ritual of Don Cossacks: areal variations in the semantics and pragmatics of action

The breaking of dishes at weddings is known to all Slavs. It accompanies the most important stages of the ritual and symbolizes the change of the young couple’s social status. This action in the Don wedding tradition reveals a number of meanings, which are united by the symbolism of the ritual transition of the wedding participants, especially the bride, as well as the newlywed and their mothers. Often “pot beating” is part of the whole micro rites, including various manipulations with dishes and its fragments. Sweeping up the shards of broken crockery is the most stable element of the ritual, which can be combined with other components and performed as an independent action. In the memory of old residents of Don villages and farms for a long time there were actions (breaking a pot on the belly of the mothers-in-law, putting a chicken or a rooster into it, throwing crock-pots into the fire and jumping over it), behind which there are archaic folk beliefs related to the conclusion of marriage. However, the general orientation of breaking dishes in the Don tradition changes in the direction of increasing entertainment and competition.

Szakrális kéziratok szövegeinek szimbolikája

Symbols have always been an integral and permanent part of our poetry. Although their presence may be fading, they will never completely disappear. Symbols simultaneously influence both our conscious and subconscious thought, providing interpretive variations to encode meaning. A single word can often encapsulate an entire existential feeling that we might not be able to express or describe more clearly and emotionally, even with the help of a paraphrase. Of course, there are times when our emotional or even social circumstances prevent us from making specific declarations, manifestations. This study examines the textual symbolism of a sanctified manuscript collected in Solovka, a village located in Transcarpathia. The research’s mentioned source area is a settlement that has received little attention in the academic literature. The study offers insight into the traditional spirit that is still evident in the religious communities of the settlement today. It provides an opportunity for a deeper, reinterpreted understanding of the texts preserved by the community and their significance. We are working at the intersection of folklore and literature. The study reveals, among other things, that there is a strong connection between the two areas. During the analysis a number of symbols were identified that carry deeper meanings, especially in natural images. We dealt separately with the meanings of the flower, the tree, the torch, the seasons and the coffin. As an example, we compared the works of lyric poets with “folk writings”, focusing on the use of symbols. During the examination of texts intended for analysis, a clear parallel between ethnography and literature became evident. This connection was demonstrated through a comparison of certain literary works, poems and texts of folk manuscripts. Poets such as Friedrich Schiller, János Arany, Endre Ady, Dezső Kosztolányi, Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, and Sándor Weöres were quoted. The study also includes comparisons of the symbolism found in texts of wedding and funeral ceremonies. Despite the significant emotional distance between these stages of human life, text analysis suggests many similarities.

Representation of Vivāha Saṁskāra in the Kalyāṇsundara Sculptures

Saṁskāras, as sacramental practices, have been an integral part of the Indian culture and they concretised the fundamental premises of ancient Indian social organisation as Āshram, Puruṣārtha and Varṇa. Encoded in the Gṛhyasūtras, Saṁskāras were elaborated in Dharmasūtras, Mahākāvya and Purāṇas. The normative structure of ritual prescriptions in Sūtra literature was disseminated through legends and narratives of Purāṇas that assigned them a divine character and enhanced their popularity and relevance for the society. Besides literary references, the Saṁskāras’ pervading influence in socio-cultural life may be surmised through their artistic projections also. This article, in particular, underlines the significance of the Vivāha Saṁskāras as a nuptial ritual that initiated the Gṛhastha Āshram or life of the householder, facilitating the acquisition of both individual and social objectives of human existence. It cites the projection of the divine marriage ceremony of Śiva and Pārvatı̄ represented as Kalyāṇsundara motif in the Rāṣṭrakūṭa art at Elephanta and Ellorā, as epitomising continuity of Saṁskāras tradition for the fulfilment of socio-religious obligations in early medieval Deccan. Further, it implies that such artistic manifestations were instrumental in the process of socialisation and cultural assimilation.

Implikasi Sorong Serah Aji Krame dalam Mempererat Hubungan Keluarga di Masyarakat Sasak

This study examines the cultural significance of the Sorong Serah Aji Krame tradition, a Sasak traditional wedding ritual on Lombok Island, Indonesia. This tradition not only represents the transfer of material goods, but also serves as a mechanism to strengthen family cohesion. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and observations, this study explores how this ritual builds emotional connections, honors elders, and ensures continuity between generations in the Sasak community. The results show that Sorong Serah Aji Krame plays an important role in maintaining social harmony and family solidarity, especially amidst the challenges of modernization.

Dowry Practice and Rural Society: An Investigation of Khanshama Upazila in Bangladesh

Abstract The practice of the dowry has gradually been spreading in Bangladesh society since the ancient time. The main objective of this study was to explore social implications of this dowry practice in the Hindu Community of Bangladesh. The study area is purposively selected and 351 household heads were interviewed using purposive sampling. A total number of marriage ceremonies took in the last two decades is 526. This study found variation in the dowry amount across the social classes and also noticed various reasons, some of them are bettering daughter's marital life, upgrading social status, unwillingness of groom's family in marriage without dowry and so on. All these factors led people to sell or mortgage their most valuable properties (cattle, land, the gold ornament and so on). It concludes that such kind of the cursed system is a furuncle to the poorer section of the society.

Manifestation and Management of Cultural Heritage: An Analysis of the Old Towns of Kenyan Coastal Region

The study examined the current manifestation of intangible and tangible cultural heritage of old towns of Lamu and Mombasa in the coastal region of Kenya, with a view of evaluating management efforts by heritage managers in the region. An exploratory research design with a mixed method approach was used to generate new ideas and assumptions regarding how cultural heritage is manifested. A sample size of 110 participants from both towns was selected through multistage cluster sampling, out of which 15 heritage managers, 40 community household leaders and 55 community elders were selected using purposive and snowball techniques. The study utilized semi structured interview guides, photography and observation as data collection methods. Descriptive analysis, content analysis-specifically attribution and designation analysis were used to analyze data. The study established that cultural heritage in the old towns is manifested through symbols, values and artefacts and architecture. Among the most evident manifestations in both old towns are in the form of wedding ceremonies, burial rituals, and limited cultural festivals especially during key religious practices Manifested architectural heritage undergoing shocks is restored for tourism purposes. However, intangible heritage is preserved, not for tourism purposes but as part of local’s way of life and as dictated by cultural values such as religion. Most organizations concerned with management of cultural heritage recognize its importance and have adapted reconstruction and restoration methods of tangible heritage especially old architecture. Among preferred recommendations were that tourism as the main economic activity in the region should be developed to benefit cultural heritage. The article advocates promoting resilience of heritage through gainful economic activities such as tourism to promote its posterity.

URGENSI PERJANJIAN PRANIKAH SEBAGAI KESEPAKATAN AWAL SUATU PERKAWINAN DAN AKIBAT HUKUM BAGI AHLI WARIS

Abstract A marriage agreement (prenup) is a form of agreement made between one party and another party before holding a wedding ceremony to validate the two as husband and wife. Household issues related to property are closely related to marriage agreements (pre-nuptials). The existence of a marriage agreement (pre-nup) is intended to avoid wealth inequality in household relationships. The aim of this research is to study, analyze and provide a general view to the public regarding marriage (pre-nup) agreements. The research method used is qualitative research through a case study approach using legislation as regulations and also processing data through cases that have occurred as research references. The function and benefits of marriage agreements (pre-nuptials) as a guideline that regulates the rights and obligations of husband and wife regarding the future of the family, whether regarding children's education, business, etc. residence, etc. as long as it does not conflict with law and morality. Protect family members from the threat of domestic violence.

Symbolic Representation in the Traditional Ceremony at the Benuaq Dayak of East Kalimantan in Korrie Layun Rampan’s Ceremony Novel

Benuaq Dayak is an ethnic group originating from Kutai Kertanegara, East Kalimantan. The uniqueness of the Benuaq Dayak community traditions is represented in a novel entitled Ceremony written by Korrie Layun Rampan. This novel displays the cultural background of the Dayak people in the interior of Kalimantan. It describes a series of ceremonies performed by the Dayak people in their social life. Various traditional ceremonies in this tribe still exist today. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method and uses symbolic theory to examine the meaning of several features of Benuaq Dayak traditional ceremonies. The results of the study show several kinds of symbolic features in ceremonies such as: Balian dance presents symbolic meanings as a form of hope, Kewangkey ceremony represents social esteem. Nalin Taun embodies the purification of the soul and forgiveness of sins, the last one is Pelulung or marriage ceremony which is followed by a gantar which symbolizes happiness and a symbol of friendship between the two villages.

Illocutionary Speech Acts in Sawér Poetry of the Sundanese Ethnic Traditional Marriage Ceremony

The lyrics contained in every nyawér ceremony certainly have meaning and a message. This research aims to determine the type of speech of each stanza of poetry and to understand the meaning contained inward. This research adopts descriptive qualitative methods with a cultural approach. The research data were taken from a Sundanese sawér poetry by Mr. Tahyan from Ciamis consisting of 9 stanzas. Each stanza, consisting of several lines of poetry, was analyzed using Searle's speech act theory to determine the type of speech and pragmatic manifestations. The cultural approach was used to strengthen the analysis. This was because the speech in the sawér poetry of the wedding ceremony is very closely related to the culture of a region, in this case, the Sundanese ethnic group. The results of the research show that the types of speech in Sundanese sawér poetry consist of 2 directive illocutionary speech acts meaning requests and hopes; 3 directive illocutionary acts meaning prohibitions and warnings; 2 directive illocutionary commands and suggestions; 1 assertive illocutionary meaning statement, and 1 assertive illocutionary act that means hopeful. The meaning contained in the sawér poetry is advice for the newlyweds to enter married life through religious norms and social norms so that they can live it well and achieve happiness.

Study of Malay Marriage Customs: Acculturation and Islamic Communication Values in Riau Malay Society

<p><em>The qualitative research employed by the author examines the acculturation of Islamic communication values in Riau Malay marriage customs, observing events at various stages of the marriage process. Data is gathered through the Riau Malay Customary Institute (LAM Riau), using interviews and documentation and observing traditional marriage ceremonies. Additional data is collected from Riau community leaders involved in the marriage process. The research spans approximately 16 months. Findings indicate that Riau Malay traditional weddings are meticulously organized to affirm Malay identity and fulfill societal roles, with customs regulating life aspects at the national and state levels. Islamic communication strengthens individual religious identity. Secondly, values in Islamic communication, guided by the Quran and Hadith, are integral to traditional Malay wedding ceremonies, encompassing pre-wedding, marriage process, and post-wedding stages. Thirdly, the acculturation of Islam in Malay marriage customs dates back to the 15th century, marked by trade, intermarriages between Arab traders and locals, and the Islamization of Malay rulers, based on the Quran and As-Sunnah, the primary sources of Islamic teachings.</em></p>

Perubahan Sosial Sistem Kekerabatan dalam Upacara Adat Perkawinan Masyarakat Nias (Studi Kasus Tahapan Fanika Era-Era Mbowo) di Desa Tuhembuasi Kecamatan Sogae’adu Kabupaten Nias

The title of this research emphasizes social changes in the kinship system in the traditional marriage ceremony of the Nias community (case study of the fanika stages of the mbowo era) in Tuhembuasi Village, Sogae'adu District, Nias Regency. The aim of this research is: To find out/describe social changes in the kinship system in the traditional marriage ceremony of the Nias community (case study of the fanika stages of the mbowo era) in Tuhembuasi Village, Sogae'adu District, Nias Regency. In this research, the method used is a descriptive qualitative approach. The results of the research show that the causes of changes in the Fanika stages of the Mbowo era in the Nias tribe community in Tuhembuasi Village, Sogae'adu District, Nias Regency are: (1) parents nowadays are very busy so they don't have time to talk about or teach about customs. and the culture of the Nias people to their children; (2) because the implementation of the Fanika stages in the Mbowo era took a lot of time, up to 3 to 4 hours, so people also felt bored because the time was too long, so the implementation of this stage was often postponed; (3) many people currently have very little experience of Nias culture so that the implementation of its customs as they are is important to remember but is not implemented; (4) migrate, marry with other tribes, so that the celebration does not reflect Nias culture.

Malulo Tradition in the Wedding Ceremony of Tolaki People in North Kolaka Perspective of Urf

Malulo, a traditional dance of the Tolaki people, is integral to various religious and social activities such as harvests, weddings, and aqiqah. This research explores the cultural significance of the Malulo dance in Kecamatan Lambai, Kabupaten Kolaka Utara, and examines its alignment with Islamic values, particularly regarding interactions between men and women. The study addresses whether the physical contact in the dance contradicts Islamic teachings and offers solutions to preserve the tradition while adhering to religious principles. Using a qualitative approach, interviews with religious leaders, cultural practitioners, and community members were conducted, alongside an analysis of Islamic legal perspectives on urf (customs). The findings show that while Malulo fosters community cohesion and has deep cultural roots, the practice of hand-holding between non-mahram men and women is seen as inconsistent with Islamic teachings. The research suggests modifications, such as separating men and women during the dance, to preserve the tradition without violating religious values. The study's originality lies in its attempt to reconcile a local cultural tradition with Islamic jurisprudence, offering a balanced solution that respects both heritage and religious principles. This approach highlights the broader importance of harmonizing cultural practices with religious norms, particularly in multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies, and could serve as a model for resolving similar conflicts elsewhere.

Research on the Folk "Deacon" in Dongtun Town, Xinxiang City, Henan Province—Initial Investigation Report on Entering into Marriage Rituals

With the continuous development of society, tremendous changes have occurred in rural areas in terms of culture, society, and economy, and rural marriage rituals have also undergone changes. The work of wedding organizers and "deacons" who assist in the ceremony has been impacted by the transformation of new-style marriage rituals. When the master of ceremonies of the new-style wedding enters the rural wedding, how do the "deacon" and the master of ceremonies cooperate to hold the wedding successfully? This article aims to explore what is the folk "deacon" and its changes, selecting Dongtun Town, Xinxiang City, Henan Province as the field survey point, and trying to present what is the folk "deacon" and explore the universal law of its changes through this case study by switching between different perspectives of the host and guest positions.

Bigamy: Law V Social Reality

This paper examines the practice of bigamy among Hindus in India, highlighting the disparity between legal prohibitions and social realities. Despite the criminalization of bigamy under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the practice continues in Indian society. The essay explores three key factors contributing to the persistence of bigamy: underreporting by women due to social pressures and abuse, the shift of second marriages into secrecy, and men exploiting legal loopholes to avoid punishment. The legal system’s rigid evidentiary requirements, particularly the burden of proof placed on the first wife to prove the completion of essential marriage rituals, further complicate the prosecution of bigamy. Cases such as *Bhaurao v. State of Maharashtra* and *Mukta Jesing v. Vallabhadas* illustrate the challenges women face in seeking justice. This paper argues that the current legal framework, while well-intentioned, is inadequate in addressing the underlying social dynamics, inadvertently allowing the practice to persist in various forms.

Transliteration in Selected Nigerian Novels and The Discourse in Traditional Ceremonies in Urhobo And Ukwani

The study investigates the use and importance of transliteration in selected Nigerian novels as well as the discourse in traditional ceremonies such as marriage and funeral in Urhobo and Ukwuani in Delta State. Unlike in literary works where some works have been done in transliteration, none has been carried out on the English used in traditional ceremonies. Even in literary works, studies on transliteration are mostly aimed at how English is "domesticated" to reflect African culture. None of the studies has actually specified what aspects of African culture each transliterated expression reflects. Owing to this gap in literature, this work aims at providing a socio-linguistic explanations for the special linguistic choices made in Achebe's Arrow of God, Anthills of the Savannah, Chimamanda Ngozi, Adichie's Purple Hibiscus and in traditional ceremonies. The theoritical framework adopted for the study is the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis of communication accomodation, which attempts to explain the relationship between language and the interpretation of social reality. Data were sourced from the novels and the speeches of spokesmen in marriage and funeral ceremonies of heterogeneous nature and were analysed through descriptive method. The following research questions guided the analysis: i. Are there defining characteristics that determine the English used in the novels and the traditional ceremonies? ii. Are there similarities between the language used in the novels and the ones used in the traditional ceremonies? iii. Is the variety of English used relevant to African culture? iv. What specific aspects of African culture do the linguistic choices made reflect? The findings from the study show that the expressions identified reflect and promote African culture. The findings also show that there are similarities between the language of the novels and that of traditional ceremonies.

The Wedding and Its Medialization from the Perspective of the Ljubljana Lacanian School

The ritual of marriage serves as a nexus for various dimensions of social and personal life, including sexuality, gender, religiosity, family, and parenthood. This pivotal event is laden with a multitude of expectations, hopes, and fears for all involved parties. The psychological energies converge not only within the spouses or participants but extend to encompass the entire cultural community. Simultaneously, it represents a ritualistic identification, where individuals, through the ritual, become what they are, establishing an identity. This article aims to provide a Lacanian interpretation of the marriage ritual, informed by the interpretation popularized by the Ljubljana school of psychoanalysis. Lacan’s framework allows for the conceptualization of identification as a socially mediated process, revealing the psyche as extending beyond the individual into intersubjective structures. This approach might help to clarify the inner logic of the ritual, allowing for a better understanding of the role of medialization. It will be shown, that under these lenses wedding photography and other forms of medialization do not only preserve memories of the event afterward but are already playing an active and even constitutive role during the event.