The Wedding as a Reproductive Ritual

Abstract

Research on patterns of marriage has determined that marriages serve as a reproductive contract between men and women. Marriage usually lasts for periods of time sufficient to raise a child until he or she can care for himself or herself. Patterns of marriage and divorce also embody features showing that the sexes act in their own reproductive best interests, for example, men initiating divorce later in life to find younger, more fertile partners. With this in mind, this article investigates the rituals, symbols, and ceremonies associated with marriages across several cultures to compile evolutionarily salient events and symbolism. In many cultures, the wedding ceremony contains not only rituals of reproduction and fertility important to both sexes but also displays of wealth and resources on the part of the groom, which is of particular evolutionary interest to females, and symbols of chastity on the part of the bride, which is of particular evolutionary interest to males. Essentially, the wedding is not only a pair-bonding codification but also a display of male and female reproductive goals and strategies.

Attitude Toward Lobola in Remarriage Following Divorce in African Communities

“…Some cultures in South Africa, such as those followed by the majority of the Zulu nation, dictate that the bride should remain a virgin or without wedlock offspring during the lobola discussion, as brides are encouraged to retain their virginity for their future husbands (Burch 2019). One determinant of the lobola amount that is of interest in this article is the question of whether the bride was previously married.…”

Unveiling the triumph: the drivers behind entrepreneurial resilience among family wedding organizers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The findings align with previous research highlighting that business reasons were the primary rationale for change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weddings are a form of reproductive ritual with both business and social effects (Burch, 2019). From a theoretical perspective, this study confirmed the value of entrepreneurship in times of crisis by highlighting the relevancy of entrepreneurship for the wedding events industry.…”

“…Some crucial aspects that must be considered in wedding event management include location selection, decoration design, vendor selection, transportation and accommodation arrangements, logistics management, security and safety supervision, and guest service. Weddings are a pair-bonding ritual involving a ceremony (Burch, 2019). The result of a wedding is a marriage certificate that implies a long-term bond between the people involved.…”

“…Weddings are universal and contain the same symbols regardless of language or culture (Monger, 2004). Burch (2019) states that “wedding ceremonies often include a “bridal party.” Wedding guests, an exchange of vows and rings, a designated person who will perform the ceremony and pronounce the marriage as an accepted union, and a reception after the ceremony with food, celebration, and other traditional activities”. It means that organizers need to plan and manage different tasks at each wedding event.…”

Science Revealing Ancient Magic: Phytolith Evidence from the Early Chalcolithic Site of Isaiia (Eastern Romania)

“…Ethnographically, there are also countless accounts related to the symbolic utilisation of cereal seeds (especially wheat) in fertility related rituals (marriage, child-bearing, etc.) or apotropaic practices [ 78 , 79 ].…”