Betrothal

Betrothal is a formal state of engagement to be married. Historically betrothal was a formal contract, blessed or officiated by a religious authority. Betrothal is no longer common beyond some Arab cultures, and both Orthodox and Messianic Jews.

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Typical steps of a betrothal were:

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• Selection of the bride
• usually done by the groom's family with the bride having little or no input
• this is no longer practiced except in the most conservative cultures, and most of these have a requirement that the bride be allowed at least veto power
• Negotiation of bride price or dowry
• in modern practice the bride price has been reduced to the symbolic engagement ring
• Blessing by Clergy
• Exchange of Vows and Signing of Contracts
• often one of these is omitted
• Celebration

The exact duration of a betrothal varies according to culture and the participants? needs and wishes. For adults, it may be anywhere from several hours (when the betrothal is incorporated into the wedding day itself) to a period of several years. A year and a day are common in neo-pagan groups today. In the case of child marriage, betrothal might last from infancy until the age of marriage.

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The responsibilities and privileges of betrothal vary. In most cultures, the betrothed couple is expected to spend much time together, learning about each other. In some historical cultures (including colonial North America), the betrothal was essentially a trial marriage, with marriage only being required in cases of conception of a child. In almost all cultures there is a loosening of restrictions against physical contact between partners, even in cultures which would normally otherwise have strong prohibitions against it. The betrothal period was also considered to be a preparatory time, in which the groom would build a house, start a business or otherwise prove his readiness to enter adult society.

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A betrothal is considered to be a 'semi-binding' contract. Normal reasons for invalidation of a betrothal include:

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• revelation of a prior commitment or marriage,
• evidence of infidelity,
• failure to conceive (in 'trial marriage' cultures),
• failure of either party to meet the financial and property stipulations of the betrothal contract.

Normally a betrothal can also be broken at the behest of either party, though some financial penalty (such as forfeit of the bride price) usually will apply.

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Betrothal: See also ►



 

Married: REDIRECT Marriage...

Contract: A contract is any legally-enforceable promise or set of promises made between parties. In the civil law, contracts are considered to be part of the general law of obligations. This article describes the law relating to contracts in common law jurisdictions....

Arab culture: Arab culture is an inclusive term that draws together the common themes and overtones found in the Arab World, especially those of the Middle-Eastern countries. This region's distinct religion, art, and food are some of the fundamental features that define Arab culture....




Betrothal related Images and Photos (experimental)

The Betrothal	The Betrothal	The Betrothal 1774	The Betrothal: a Young Couple in an Elegant Interior 1678
The Betrothal of the Venetian Doge to the Adriatic Sea circa 1739-30