Arranged marriages are often unheard of at this day and age when men and women are free to make a lot of choices including the person they want to spend their lives with. However, arranged marriages are traditions that still exist in Asian countries and other parts of the world.
An arranged marriage is one where either the bride or groom or both do not have a choice as to their future spouse as it is their parents who selects their future spouses for them. Some Americans would think that arranged marriages occurred only during the Elizabethan era but the practice is still alive even at this time and age.
The custom of arranging marriages is common in Asia particularly among Indians and Muslims. There are also other Asian tribes that still follow this tradition. There are arranged marriages where the bride and groom were promised to each other when they were still young so they know what to expect. However, there are also those who are complete strangers at the time of the wedding.
India
The low divorce rate in India has been attributed to the practice of arranged marriages but it does not mean that more couples in India are happily married. This tradition of arranging marriages is so prevalent in India that at least 95 percent of Indian marriages are said to have been arranged. There are several factors considered by Indian parents when choosing a spouse for their children. Among these are caste and social status. While the dowry system has been prohibited in India, it is still a considerable factor in arranged marriages.
Elizabethan era
Arranged marriages were the norm during the Elizabethan era considering that feminism has not yet been born and women were very subservient to their parents and their men. Women during that time agreed to whatever marriage plans their parents have for them. They were brought up believing that men are superior and the women inferior. Among the most common reasons for arranged marriages during this era are money and social status.
Jolo, Philippines
Arranged marriages are still popular among Muslims in the Philippines and in other countries. A Muslim man can choose his bride provided he (including his family) can raise the bride-wealth. Otherwise, he might be rejected by the bride's family. However, a lot of Muslim men and women who have obtained higher education no longer favor the practice of arranged marriages.
American women are luckier because they can choose whoever it is they want to spend their lives with. Arranged marriages have never gained traction in America because of the people's liberality and penchant for freedom, including the freedom to choose one's bride or groom.
Find more advice on wedding planning and wedding etiquette. In addition you can get more information on mother of the groom dresses.
Source: www.articletrader.com
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