Marriage and Religion – Why Connect the Two?

Since the start of history, human beings have incorporated religion into wedding traditions. In ancient Sumeria, present-day Iraq, the Akkadians rang in the new year with a formal procedure during which the king representatively wed the goddess Inanna, making sure of prosperity and a rewarding harvest.

They even had sacrifices during weddings. Often to the goddess Artemis in historic Rome and Greece. Artemis was the spiritual embodiment of virginity, fertility and childbirth. Such offerings were a way to beg for the blessing of the couple's deities upon the wedding.

Today, lots of the earth's religions are a big part in marriage ceremonies. Getting married in the Jewish religion provides that the pair is joined together in the spiritual dominion as well as the earthly one. The Talmud, the definitive compilation of Jewish law, tells us that Rav Yehuda taught that 40 days before a male heir is conceived, a heavenly voice announces whose daughter he is going to marry. This is thought of as "bashert," or fate or kismet. Abiding by Jewish law, a rabbi is not a must for a couple to be wed, but most traditions include one because of Western laws requiring either a spiritual or civil officer to supervise the ceremony. At the wedding, the rabbi will ask for God's benediction and give thanks to God.

In Christian wedding traditions, the actual wedding rite is performed by a priest or minister. He will read quotes out of the Bible concerning the holiness and beliefs about marriage. The cleric will also beg for God's blessing and thank God. Religious hymns are generally a part of this. And, sometimes the marriage tradition includes the couple taking Communion. For the most part, Christianity states that God made both sexes to be partners and together, and, therefore, getting married is according to God's plan.

Islam states that marriage is a religious obligation, meant to perpetuate the human race and welfare of the family. Throughout the ceremony, the clergy will cite from the Koran, and will have the bride and groom read prayers while the Koran is placed between them. In Genesis 15, God told Abraham his descendants would number as manifold as the stars. Traditional Jewish, Christian, and Islamic wedding traditions are linked to this.

Hinduism determines marriage to be a sacred rite, during which a pair start their lives together, combining spirit and matter. The pair personify the goddess Lamxi and the god Lord Narayana. During the wedding ritual, the couple states their dedication before God, and the ceremony is observed and validated by Agni, the God of Fire.

The Buddhist religion plays no true role in the nuptials. Having a wedding ceremony is neither a rule nor banned by Buddha. However, most couples will still ask for blessings from their regional monks on their big day.

For many people, religion and spirituality are big parts of a wedding, both as traditional sacraments and as a well of meaning and strength. An enhanced understanding of the history and beliefs behind the traditions offers a better comprehension of marriage, commitment and love.



Criss White is a author on baby, wedding, and family topics. For baptism favors or to read more articles, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors.Note:Providing the credits and resource box are intact and the hyperlinks functional, feel free to share this article in your newsletter, on your website, or e-zine.