Kalonje

Student Pages

= //**__Dating And Relationships In India __**// =

Marriages made in heaven. It is one of the most enjoying and memorable events for not only the bride and bridegroom but also for their families. Like every religion, Hindu marriages have some special and unique rituals and customs for marriage. Traditionally marriages were mostly arranged and the bride and groom were not allowed to meet. Hindu marriages are most elaborate and enjoyable because of the variety of customs and traditional sacraments that roll on for a week. Hindu marriages take at least 4-5 days for the completion of the ceremoniess. Apart from the joy and celebration, Hindu marriages give immense importance to Vedic mantras and pujas.

__ARRANGED MARRIAGES __

Arranged marriages have been part of the Indian culture since the fourth century. Many consider the practice a central fabric of Indian society, reinforcing the social, economic, geographic, and the historic significance of India (Stein). Prakasa states that arranged marriages serve six functions in the Indian community: (1) helps maintain the social satisfaction system in the society; (2) gives parents control, over family members; (3) enhances the chances to preserve and continue the ancestral lineage; (4) provides an opportunity to strengthen the kinship group; (5) allows the consolidation and extension of family property; (6) enables the elders to preserve the principle of endogamy (Prakasa 17). The practice of arranged marriages began as a way of uniting and maintaining upper caste families. Eventually, the system spread to the lower caste where it also was used for the same purpose. The specifics of arranged marriages vary; depending on if one is Hindu or Muslim. "Marriage is treated as an alliance between two families rather than a union between two individuals" (Prakasa 15). Ninety-five percent of all current Indian marriages are arranged, either through child marriages or family / friend arrangement. The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929-1978 states that the legal age for marriage is 18 for females, and 21 for males, with most females being married by 24 and most males being married by their late twenties (McDonald). However, many children, age 15 and 16 are married within a cultural context, with these marriages being neither void or voidable under Hindu or Muslim religious law, as long as the marriage is not consummated until the legal age of 18 for females and 21 for males.

Marriage is a sacramental union in the Hindu faith. "One is incomplete and considered unholy if they do not marry" (Parakasa 14). Because of these beliefs, many families begin marriage preparation well in advance, with the help of "kinsmen, friends, and 'go-betweens'" (14). Most females are married before puberty, with almost all girls being married before 16, while most boys are married before the age of 22 (Gupta 146). However, couples normally do not consummate the marriage until three years after the marriage ceremony (146). The legal age for marriages is 18 for females and 21 for males (Mc Donald). The male's family is responsible for seeking the female. "A majority of Hindu marriages take place outside of their home village" (146). The male's family is responsible for arranging the marriage. Like Muslim arranged marriages, the Hindu culture uses a matchmaker to help find possible matches. Once a match is found and arrangements met, the two families meet to discuss dowry, time, and location of the wedding, the birth stars of the boy and girl, and education (McDonald). During this time, the males of the family huddle in the center of the room, while the perspective couple sits at the periphery of the room and exchange glances. If the two families agree, they shake hands and set a date for the wedding (McDonald). Most Hindu pre-wedding ceremonies take place on acuta, the most spiritual day for marriages. The ceremony often takes place early in the morning, with the male leading the female around a fire (punit) seven times. After the ceremony, the bride is taken back to her home until she is summoned to her husband's family house. Upon her arrival, her husband's mother is put in charge of her, where she is to learn the inner workings of the house. During this time she is not allowed to interact with the males of the house, because she is considered pure until the marriage is consummated. This period of marriage can range from three to six years (McDonald).

Link For More Information:

http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Arr.html

3 QUESTIONS; Q1:Is arranged marriage still around now? Q2:Where did arranged marriage start? Q3:Whats the minimum age to have an arranged marriage?

3 ANSWERS; A1:Yes arranged marriages is still around in India. Many marriages are still arranged to this day. they kept the tradition but changed somethings. Today the broom ansd the bride are able to meet under close watch by guardians. A long time ago you weren't able to see your bride r groom until after the wedding. A2: A3:

//**__A video on arranged marriages: __**// media type="youtube" key="9aLX3auq8dA" height="220" width="509"

media type="custom" key="8603726"

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by Ms. Spira Great start, Kalonje! Where did you find all the information about arranged marriages? Please copy and paste the link where you got the information from, because I want to learn more!

Monday, February 28, 2011 by Ms. Spira I see you made a slideshow. Try copying and pasting that link into the slide tab in the "widget" menu, just like we do with YouTube videos!

Febuary 17, 2011 by Kyania I like all of the facts that you have on your page. Now I know tons more about arrange marrages.

February 17,2011 By:Amira These are alot of facts, but I agree with Ms.Spira. You should post a link because it seems like you just copied and pasted the whole thing. Like the colors though.

March 5, 2O11

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR PAGE !!!!!! :)

Posted by Tiffani Santiago :)