Lesson on Marriage – Definition, Types & Customs for Primary 3

Hi, young learners! Welcome back to Primary 3 National Values Education. In our previous lesson, we learned about family life and community. Today, we’re going to learn about Marriage Customs.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define Marriage
• Identify Types of Marriage
• List various types of marriage
• Understand Customs and Beliefs in Marriage
• List and explain at least 3 customs and beliefs associated with marriage in different cultures.

Marriage Customs

Marriage is a significant part of many cultures and societies. It’s a formal union between two individuals, typically recognized by law, where they become partners for life. It involves emotional, social, and legal aspects.

What is Marriage?

Marriage is a legal and social contract between two individuals, usually a man and a woman, that establishes a relationship of mutual rights and obligations. It is a commitment to share life together, including responsibilities, love, and support.

Types of Marriage

There are different types of marriage practiced around the world, each with its own unique customs and traditions. Some of these include:

• Monogamous Marriage: This is the most common form of marriage, where one person is married to another person. In monogamous marriages, individuals commit to one partner and do not have multiple spouses simultaneously.
• Polygamous Marriage: Polygamy is a type of marriage in which one person is married to multiple spouses at the same time. There are two subtypes of polygamous marriage:
  • Polygyny: This is when a man is married to multiple wives simultaneously.
  • Polyandry: This is when a woman is married to multiple husbands simultaneously.
• Same-Sex Marriage: In some countries, same-sex marriages are legally recognized, allowing individuals of the same gender to marry.

Customs and Beliefs in Marriage

Marriage customs and beliefs vary widely across cultures. Some of the common customs and beliefs associated with marriage include:

• Wedding Ceremonies: Different cultures have unique wedding ceremonies with various rituals. For example, in some cultures, the bride and groom exchange vows and rings during a church wedding, while in others, traditional ceremonies involve dances, songs, and the exchange of gifts.
• Bride Price/Dowry: In some societies, the groom is required to pay a bride price or dowry to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and commitment. This practice varies in form and significance across cultures.
• Traditional Attire: Many cultures have specific traditional attire or garments that the bride and groom wear during the wedding. These garments often have cultural and symbolic significance.
• Religious Customs: Marriage customs often have religious elements. For instance, in Christian weddings, there may be prayers, blessings, and the reading of Bible verses. In Hindu weddings, customs like circling the sacred fire are observed.
• Superstitions and Beliefs: Some cultures believe in certain superstitions, such as carrying the bride over the threshold or avoiding seeing the bride in her dress before the ceremony. These are thought to bring good luck.
• Celebrations and Feasting: Wedding customs usually involve celebrations and feasting with family and friends. The type of food, music, and dances may vary based on cultural traditions.
• Traditional Roles and Responsibilities: In many societies, there are traditional roles and responsibilities assigned to the bride, groom, and their families. For example, the father of the bride often has specific duties during the wedding.
• Symbolic Gestures: There are often symbolic gestures in wedding customs, such as the lighting of a unity candle to signify the joining of two lives, or the breaking of a glass in Jewish weddings to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Evaluation Questions

Now that you’ve learned about Marriage Customs, let’s see if you can answer these questions:

1. What is marriage?
2. Name two types of marriage.
3. Mention one custom or belief associated with marriage.
4. What are some of the traditional roles and responsibilities in marriage?
5. Why is it important to respect and understand different marriage customs?

Conclusion

Understanding marriage customs is crucial as it helps us appreciate diverse cultural practices and the importance of family life in society. Remember, marriage is a beautiful and meaningful institution that brings people together and creates families. Continue to learn about different cultures and their traditions! See you in the next lesson!