In so many ways the world is becoming a much smaller place with diverse cultures interacting nearly as much as people do who live side by side. Radio, television, and now the internet have all worked increasingly toward bringing people together, blending nations and people groups as never before.
Some of the customs practiced by these disparate groups are also getting noticed, including the engagement habits of their peoples. In the US, it is customary for the man to get down on one knee to ask his beloved for her hand in marriage, presenting a diamond solitaire ring as a sign to her of his love and faithfulness. In some cases the woman will reciprocate by giving him a “promise ring” but this trend is still very uncommon.
How will you propose marriage? Will you be upholding time-honored traditions or will you seek to blend in modern methods or even your own personal twist? For fun, let’s take a look at some of the engagement practices of people all across the world.
When a man proposes to a woman in Spain, he does what many American men do: provide a pre-set diamond engagement ring to his heart throb. But, it doesn’t stop there: she’ll go out and find an engagement wristwatch and present that gift to him.
In Japan, it used to be customary for a matchmaker to bring young Japanese couples together. Today, that has changed as young people are finding each other, getting engaged, and a pre-set ring is presented. However, it is still customary to have the families of the engaged couple get together to exchange nine gifts, including dried bonito and abalone, in witness of their engagement. The groom then presents a generous betrothal gift (averaging more than $7300) to the bride’s family.
Brazilian couples will generally come together for a large engagement reception where the man gives to the woman a simple gold band which she wears on her right hand prior to marriage. During the wedding ceremony, the ring is moved to the left hand to signify that she is now married.
Customs in Nigeria vary according to tribe and religion, but some of the common practices still in vogue today include a ceremony where the groom’s family introduces themselves to the bride’s family and asks for their daughter’s hand in marriage to their son. In time’s past, the couple would be married immediately after the engagement ceremony, but current Nigerian law requires that the couple register with the government before marrying.
Couples in Egypt will exchange rings upon engagement and wear these same rings on their right hand until they are married, then move them to the left hand. During the engagement period, the man is responsible for securing a home – buying or renting a house or an apartment – and the home must include all the desired electrical appliances.
Though the couple is the most important part of the marriage covenant, some of the behind-the-scenes folks also play significant roles. For example, in China, many families still rely on the services of a matchmaker who determines if the prospective bride and groom are compatible astrologically. Many Americans who are familiar with the story, “Fiddler on the Roof” gained a glimpse of Jewish customs, particularly for Jews in Tsarist Russia. During that time, the Father picked the groom based on the recommendation of the matchmaker, but as in the case of they’ve, father of five daughters, the three oldest made sure that they had their say too.
Yes, the world may be changing and with these changes some customs are evolving as well. Though many young adults may want to do what is “new and different” many are honoring their families by honoring time-honored traditions. That pre-set diamond engagement ring can still be given, but as long as the remaining customs are upheld, then incorporating modern practices can still be enjoyed.
Brayan Peter
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/engagement-customs-from-around-the-world-675191.html
February 24th, 2010 at 8:41 am
What do you think of my essay, and how should I end it?
OK, this is the topic:
How can art and culture be a catalyst for civic engagement in improving the quality of life in our community and challanging times? Write an essay persuading citizens in our community to support your ideas. Please give compelling reasons and examples on how art and culture can be a catalyst for civic engagement in improving the quality of life in our community and challanging times.
Art is defined in the dictionary as the human ability to make things; creativity of man as distinguished from the world of nature. Free expression establishes itself in endless aspects of everyday life. From the ads you see on television to the music you hear on the radio. Furthermore art can act as an agent for communal engagement in the advancement of the quality of life in our community and challenging times. In difficult times such as these where depression, poverty, and suffering seem to be around every corner, art and culture is a cathartic way to reflect strong emotions in a positive manner that promotes a common focal point for people of all backgrounds, eventually resulting in increased neighborly interaction.
Various means of artistic expressions include choirs, marching bands, and community art programs. Commissioning of public art works by private artists for public display in art museums, government buildings, and downtown areas of cities and towns can provide an insightful view and understanding of the perspectives of other individuals they wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise. In addition, a person going through a similar situation is able to form a mutual bond with the artist which enables the advocate or patron of the artwork to feel less isolated in their experience.
Imagine strolling down the street, and everyone looks identical. Monotonous clothing, voices, faces, and skin color, doesn’t that sound dreary? There is no place more inviting or fascinating than a city with a rich cultural variety. It not only brings life and energy to a setting, but exposes citizens to all kinds of customs and ways of life. Exposure to cultures contradictory to our own, early on, can prompt a deep respect and appreciation of a myriad of races and culture, potentially reducing the number of ignorant racists and skinheads thereby making the community a better place for the future and even the present.
In these times of tribulations holidays,can be the perfect thing to disregard all of your past follies and present hardships. Not only are you surrounded by family and friends, but are inspired to give to the less fortunate and requite to the community. Holidays bring all types of citizens together despite ethnic and cultural differences through public events like the new years eve countdown downtown or forth of July fireworks.
This is for my 8th grade english class btw.
lol, u don’t have to read all of it
February 24th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Wow, very good. That’s way better then I could have done in 9th grade.
But imo if you took out "tribulations" it would make it seem more like it was human written rather then trying to show everyone that you know big words.
But I still give it a 5/5
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