A guide to arranged marriages and the traditions behind them
17 February 2016
| Last updated on 18 October 2017
For men and women in some parts of the world, the tradition of an arranged marriage is one that is commonly practiced and often appreciated.
We have all heard of arranged marriages, the idea behind such a union seems so complex - but let’s look at the facts.
How does an arranged marriage work?
It starts with the individual’s parents or older family member, who is in the ‘inevitable search’ of finding the perfect suitor for their child. Exposure for finding the perfect partner in an arranged marriage can be considered through advertising, newspaper, matrimonial websites, social media websites, community or social circles.
After that, a screening process has to be made, this is absolutely crucial for selecting the husband or wife. In other words, the parents will dig up any information that they can get about the prospective suitor prior to an actual meeting with them. The screening process for the prospective bride or groom, follows a strict cast system, in which one is selected based on similar social class, educational background, religion etc. Once a suitable candidate has been selected, the real screening process begins.
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To begin this second stage of finding the perfect suitor, a family gathering is made, in which both relatives meet, in order to get an opportunity to get to know one another. If all goes well, the bride and groom to-be, may be granted some time alone to speak together. After this, a decision is to be made. Unlike Western unions which can often take months or years for the boyfriend to finally pop the question, many arranged marriage decisions can be made within as little as a few days.
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This sounds like an impulsive and scary decision to say the least, however, many nationalities - for example, Indians - thrive off of the tradition, claiming some of the most successful marriages come from arranged ones. The idea of finding someone to spend the rest of your life with, is one of the biggest and most important decision of your life. With your parents glorious insights and wisdom, finding the perfect match for you, might actually be easier than if you went on the search yourself. Therefore, this giant step in your life can be simplified with the guidance and support of your parents. We have to admit, parents do know everything!
So, while some dread the idea of spending the rest of their life with a partner that they have not chosen or fallen in love with, others believe that the process of parental pre-screening is the best option to finding that (eventually) one true love.
