Marriage in different cultures

Marriage is a sacred ritual that most cultures around the world take part in. Wedding ceremonies and traditions differ from culture to culture and religion to religion.

Christian's believe that weddings are a gift from God and that they shouldn't be taken for granted. In a Christian wedding ceremony, it is very much linked to God and that God is at the heart of the relationship. The Church of England believes that before entering a Christian marriage and getting married in a church, at least one person should have been baptized and at least one person should have been going to said church for the minimum of six months.

For people who study the Buddhist faith, marriage is a fairly simple and traditional affair that does not involve religion, however it does involve spirituality. Buddhist's believe that before a couple is to wed, their horoscopes must match and that the groom should ask the Lama (priest) when would be a special day for him to propose. The date of the marriage is decided by an astrologer. The ceremony is done either in a place of worship or the Bride's home in front of a shrine of Buddha. Candles and incense are lit and often, the wedding is conducted by a member of the family. 'In Buddhism, marriage is regarded as entirely a personal, individual concern and not as a religious duty.'  Thera, V. (2007).

Atheist weddings are non-religious affairs. Atheist weddings are based entirely on the couple involved in the relationship; it doesn't involve any supernatural beings or deities. Having an atheist wedding offers more personality for the marriage ceremony as you are able to create your own vows, own music, own rituals or readings.

If you are in a Rastafari community, there is no structured wedding ceremony. They consider a man and woman (unless related) who are living together to already be man and wife. If, there is a ceremony of sorts, it is considered a social affair and not a religious one.

Although not all cultures involve religion in their marriages, love is still at the center of every marriage ceremony and relationship. 

To me, marriage is an important and special union of two people who are in love with each other; it is a sign of true devotion and faithfulness that I believe shouldn't be entered into lightly.


Thera, V. (2007). Buddhist Views on Marriage . Available: http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/237.htm. Last accessed 10th Jan 2013.