What Is The Purpose Of Religion In Wedding Ceremonies And Where Did It Start?

Religion and weddings have been intermingled in some sort or other throughout all of human existence. In early Sumeria, present-day Iraq, the Akkadians celebrated the new year with a formal procedure during which the king symbolically wed the goddess Inanna, making sure of fortune and a good harvest.

In ancient Greece and Rome, sacrifices were offered to different gods during the marriage ceremony, often to Artemis. Artemis was the goddess of virginity, fertility and childbirth. Those sacrifices were a way to ask for the benediction of the couple’s deities upon the wedding.

In our time, many of the earth’s religions are a big part in wedding ceremonies. Judaism believes that marriage binds a couple not just in the earthly dominion, but as well in the spiritual. The Talmud, the authoritative text of Jewish law, tells us that Rav Yehuda explained that 40 days before a male child is conceived, a heavenly voice proclaims whose daughter he will marry. This is called "bashert," or fate or kismet. In accordance to Jewish law, a rabbi is not necessary for a couple to be married, but most ceremonies include one because of Western laws calling for either a religious or secular officer to watch over the ceremony. During the ceremonies, the rabbi will ask for God's benediction and give thanks to Him.

In Christian wedding ceremonies, the ritual is carried out by a priest or minister. He will read quotes from the Bible about the sanctity and beliefs about the sacred union. The clergyman will also ask for God's blessing and thank God. Sacred hymns are usually a part of this. And, many times the ceremony includes the couple taking Communion. Basically, Christianity believes that God created both sexes to be partners and companions, and, therefore, marriage is according to God's plan.

Islam believes that marriage is a spiritual obligation, meant to continue the human race and welfare of the family. In the course of the ceremony, the clergy will read from the Koran, and will have the pair read prayers while the Koran is laid between them. In Genesis 15, God told Abraham his heirs would number as manifold as the stars. Traditional Jewish, Christian, and Islamic marriage ceremonies are related to this.

Hinduism considers marriage to be a sacred rite, during which a couple start their lives together, connecting spirit and matter. The couple are stand-ins for the goddess Lamxi and the god Lord Narayana. During the wedding ritual, the pair pledges their pledge before God, and the ceremony is observed and validated by Agni, the God of Fire.

The Buddhist religion plays no real role in the nuptials. Buddha makes no regulations to have or not have a marriage. However, many couples will still ask for blessings from their local monks on their big day.

For a lot of cultures, religion and spirituality are important parts of getting married, both as traditional rites and as a source of significance and strength. Increased awareness of the history and reasons behind the rituals offers a deeper awareness of partnership, dedication and love.

Criss White is a author on baby, wedding, and family information. For baptism favors or to read more articles, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors. Note: If you find this article helpful, you may share it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain intact and the hyperlinks are functional.