Marriage has different definitions according to different traditions, cultures and experiences. However, most people agree that marriage is a unity or mutual agreement between two people, a man and a woman to live together. The term marriage also has different definitions according to various forms which exist in our society. According to Christians, marriage is a pure and sacred bond shared by a bride and groom for the purpose of starting a family, witnessed by a priest and people that no human being should put asunder and the two can only be separated by death. It is a situation where emotionally, sexually, physically and spiritually. This Christian marriage is always recognized by the law because the two sign a marriage certificate to prove that they are legally married. Religious marriages are only between two people of the opposite sex but various cultures accept marriages of the same sex and even polygamous marriage (Keller & Keller, 35).
The term marriage is thought to originate from the middle English word marriage which in turn derived from an old French words marier meaning marry. It is also thought to originate from Latin words maritare and maritari which means to provide with a husband or wife and to get hitched. Definitions of marriage are loose to the point of insanity because in the current world, so many people even of the same sex have ended up living together claiming that they are married yet the unions do not last and this has led to an increase in single parenting.
The dictionary definition of the word marriage is a social institution whereby a man and a woman make their decision and commit themselves to live as husband and wife through religious ceremonies or legal commitments. It can also be defined as a relationship where two people vow to each other in a way of husband and wife with no legal approval, this can be called a trial marriage. According to me marriage as a union between two people of the opposite sex with intimate feelings towards each other who come together with the intention of creating a family and live together in bad and good times, till death separates them. This union can either be through a church or traditional wedding or any other depending on the type of marriage as long as it is recognized by the law. The two should have a reciprocal relationship for them to be joined together. In simple words, marriage is whereby two people unite together legally to live as husband and wife with the intention of starting up a family that consists of mother, father and children.
Legally, marriage is a contract made in due form of the law between two people who join their lives, possessions and income and they are supposed to stay together until their death unless they opt for a divorce through the divorce legal process. Marriage is a legal contract that can only be broken either by divorce or death. In marriage people marry for different reasons and according to how they understand marriage. One can decide to marry because of spiritual obligations, emotional, social or legal obligations and to have children.
Traditionally, marriage is a union between two people, a man and a woman who are referred to as husband and wife. Marriage has different functions in the society and the first and main reason for marriage is for reproduction where children are born to maintain the population and to fulfill God’s command that the world should be multiplied. Marriage can also be a way of creating socioeconomic ties between social groups.
In conclusion, marriage has become a complicated institution where people commit themselves to without understanding its real definition. It is an institution that is meant to last for a lifetime and people committing themselves into it should be aware of what their commitment entail and understand what marriage truly is. Marriage is a life long union that should be embraced with love and commitment between couples.
Work Cited
Keller, Timothy &Keller, Kathy. The meaning of Marriage. New York: Dutton Printers. 2011.
