The Concept of marriage - Essay Example

Marriages are inspired by a number of factors that include emotional, traditions, and financial stability among others. Marriage union are perceived lawfully by an express, groups, religious gathering and associates. However, a marriage union can be dissolved through divorce or annulment, an element that would affect the life of the couples and children’s (Gough 24). History of marriage presents an intriguing piece of information with citations from religious backgrounds and ancient societies offering a clear insight about the onset of marriage.

The Bible portrays marriage as a union that would attach a great deal of importance to the relationship and involved rules and rituals that had to be followed till the union was formalized (Hahn 31). Gifts and dowry would feature before the bride is given away. Unions were inspired by love and characters like Jacob are portrayed as those who were ready to sacrifice time, sweat, and blood to have a partner of his choice. He works for seven years for Rachael, but instead receives Leah. He has to work seven more years for Leah.

The Bible demonstrates a history of unions that were characterized with polygamy. An openly biased union would allow men more than one partner. However, adulterous women would receive a death penalty. The communities would have special tents for the women whose privacy was maintained at all times. Even the husbands had no access to such places. This approach changes in the New Testament where the main character who happens to be Jesus Christ proposes a one-man-one-wife affair. This aspect has influenced many marriages in modern societies today (May 33).

Ancient societies like Greece and Roman share some history of cultures that were shaped by an element of marriage too. The Greece would formalize marriage union with an agreement from both parties to have each other as husband and wife (Psychology Today 1). Age was an important element in marriages with young men marrying