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Dating and Marriages in India Compared to Dating and Marriages in the United States

By: Mariam K. and Pia M. (B-3)

Introduction:

We chose to do dating and marriage in India and compare and contrast with dating and marriage in the United States because this topic really does interest Pia and I, because a great deal of the teenagers in the United States date while their parents do not know while in India most of the teenagers or anyone that is dating it isn't really something that is welcomed within the culture. Also Marriages in India are mainly arranged well about 80% of the marriages are arranged marriages while in the United States marriages people actually look for "love" and someone that they actually would want to be with, while in India the parents are who have a say in who their daughter marries. Also, the men in India also have their parents approve. Which girl they would marry, which is what also happens here in the United States as well.

The pictures below are examples of Indian Marriages and the way the men and woman would dress the tug of war is represented in the paragraphs below explain how Indian Marriages work and how they compare and contrast to American Marriages.

The pictures below are examples of American weddings (note: compare and contrast the attire of the American Weddings and the Indian Weddings)

-Indian Marriages:

Most Indian marriages are arraged although that is changing dramatically. Many in India still rely on their parents wisdom, foresight and connections to find the right person for them. Besides family, friends and neighbors many match making services, personals and now internet personals provide opportunity for people to get together Indian weddings are carried on with great pomp and grandeur. A marriage is perhaps the most important social occasion for any family as for the individual. There are a large number of traditions linked with weddings in India, Most of these rituals, superstitions and customs date back to ancient times. But all of them have to do with bestowing good luck and fertility on the newly-married couple. Rice is used as a symbol of fertility. In many Indian weddings both the bride and the groom are showered with rice grains when they leave for their new home. This signifies prosperity. In India, there are hundreds of ways of celebrating marriage, due to the various religions (Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Christian, Muslim) and regions.Many marriages are, still to this day, arranged within the religion and preferably in the same community. Traditionally, either the boy's parents or the girl's parents initiate the proposal. A 'pundit' matches the proposed couple's 'kundlis'(horoscopes). After the 'kundlis' are matched, both the families come to a mutual agreement and the girl and boy are meet. The 'pundit' informs the families about the auspicious days for the wedding ceremony. The girl's family has a lot more to do for the wedding preparations. Also, most of the wedding expenses are borne by the girl's family.There are a number of ceremonies for an There are a number of ceremonies for an Indian wedding.

-American Marriages:

As Pia and I were reasearching American marriages we could not find what a traditional marriage would be unless it was traditional to a speciaifc religion other wise we did not find what a traditional American wedding would be. A question that is brought up its that, does this show that our country has lost a part of it's culture?

Mock Dialogue-

'modern' daughter: Mom i found the perfect guy!!

'traditional mother: I found him for you a long time ago

'modern' daughter: but I told you I want to marry a guy that I love and think will be a really good husband and not because he would have social or any other benefits that involve social status or money.

'traditional' mother: Don't talk to me in this tone, you are my daughter and I tell you who you marry, you know that we will still keep our traditional ways in this house and we are going to keep these.

'modern' daughter: but I only want to marry a guy that i love not a guy that I've to live with then

'traditional' mother: yeah I know, we all want to marry who we love, but we can't always have everything we want.'modern' daughter: Mom if you understand me, why can't we just forget bout tradition I mean we can still have the traditional ceremony and everything I just want to marry someone I really love, not someone who is lucky enough to take me as his wife.

'traditional' mother: you know I just want the best for you and I believe that I know some really good guys for you.'modern' daughter: kay I will look at them but if I really don't like them do I have to really marry them or can we just say that you found the guy i think I fell in love with and make it look like an arranged marriage or something close to it?

'traditional' mother: I just want you to have a really bright future, I just want the best for you.

Work Cited:

Chitra, "Expolring India- Marriages." India Explored. Velammal College of Engg. Chennai , India. 8 May 2008 <http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01571/aboutus.htm>.

Pictures:

http://www.trisanna.com/india/wedding/wedding%2049%20270804.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/399547169_751a64ea3c.jpg?v=0

http://pro.corbis.com/images/42-15488429.jpg?size=572&uid=%7B143D8B62-DC14-4D28-A8F7-862DBF362FC9%7D

http://www.occasionzunlimited.com/images/4.18.JPG

http://www.a-ztours.com/images/indianweddings.jpg

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200712/r212917_820411.jpg

http://bulldog2.redlands.edu/FacultyFolder/Huntley/weddingalbum/images/weddingsingreatbritain_clip_image002.jpg

http://wedlog.instablogs.com/images/indian-brides-glamorous-lengha-choli_49.jpg

http://www.4321.co.il/beachweddings/weddings_on_the_beach.jpg

http://www.weddings-abroad.com/images/dubai_wedding_05.jpg

http://www.legionofmarytidewater.com/extension/image009.jpg