Compare And Contrast India And Indian Marriage Practices

Marriage Practices In India And Singapore: A Comparison .

Introduction.

Marriage refers to the legal union of a woman and man for life. The definition of marriage ranges across all dimensions as in some cultures it is regarded as a covenant, in some it is regarded as the intimate relationship that exists between a woman and a man yet in others it is seen as the backbone of all societies (Velayutham,2005). All the various definitions and perspectives contribute in clarifying the essential nature of marriage as well as its significance to the couple that is getting married .

Marriage practices and wedding traditions vary extensively among ethnic groups ,cultures, religions, social classes, and countries . The basic marriage customs entails the exchange of the wedding vows, a public

Unlike in India where arranged marriages are prevalent, in Singapore the groom approaches the girl whom he has interest in. The two subsequently court and following their mutual agreement the man is required to do the pamanhikan; a ritual whereby he asks for the hand of the bride in marriage from her parents (Theodora et al 2006) .The only similarity with the Indian practice is that during this process,the groom brings his parents with him , and together with the bride’s parents they discuss the wedding plans.

The wedding ceremony during the earlier years lasted for approximately three days. On the first day, the couple had to see the babaylan who officiated the ceremony (Theodora et al 2006) . This was done by taking the blood form their chest and joining their hands.The babylan then declared the union between two and finally made them east and drink from the same plate and glass that had been mixed with their blood .This has however changed in modern Singapore where the wedding ceremony takes place in the church in the company of family and friends (Theodora et al 2006) .

Making the