Marriage is a sacred institution, however amorphous. It takes shape depending on the person, country, culture, tradition, or even religion where the connection is created. As an institution based on a social contract, its importance has a wider horizon. It doesn’t contain only the black and white colors depicted in the contract. When including the spiritual aspect, love, respect for each other, and commitment to faith and religion, it takes on different colors and forms.
Marital ties are not static ties. On the contrary, in countries and especially in different religions, the rituals of marriage get different interpretations. If a Hindu couple shows dedication to this relationship by going around the sacred fire 7 times, another Jewish couple shows this through the Ketubah signing ceremony.
All religions connect marriage in different forms and rituals, however, the purpose of that connection remains the same. But if you’re guessing how these sacred ties ceremonies in different religions are celebrated… scroll down.
Judaism and Ketubah Signing Ceremony
In Judaism, marriage is seen as a sacred contractual bond between a couple, commanded by God. So, in Jewish marriages, God is seen to be directly involved in the marriage ritual to bless this relationship. This connection is seen more as a spiritual connection between the couple. Traditionally, as it’s ordered in the books that the Hebrews are based on, marriage should fulfill its function, taking on even more meaning with the creation of children and family.
What is different in the Jewish circle is that – a man is considered “complete” only after creating his family, with his wife and children. Jewish culture requires the couple, especially the man, to perform a Ketubah Signing Ceremony, just before the wedding, to show his obligations and commitment to the woman, her family, and the religion he represents.
Ketubah signing ceremony
The Ketubah Signing Ceremony has always been part of the Jewish tradition. However, this too has had its evolution over the centuries. In the past, the Ketubah had mandatory importance, so it was a legal contract. Signed by the couple in the presence of family and friends as a witness, and of course the most important witness, God.
The Ketubah Signing Ceremony describes the duties and responsibilities of the couple within their marriage. Beyond that, it described the couple’s dedication and support for each other. Especially the financial and inheritance rights of the woman, which had to be ensured by the husband.
Today the Pre-Wedding Ceremony of Ketubah has no legal force, however, it’s practiced by almost all Jewish couples. In our modern times, couples encourage it, to show more love, respect, and dedication in an equal way, from both sides. But above all, the Ketubah is also signed as a reminder and appreciation of the religion and culture that they carry on their shoulders. It’s signed in the presence of the Rabbi, family and friends.
The Ketubah Signing Ceremony remains with the couple as a living testimony to their love for each other.
Islam and Nikah Ceremony
In Islam, the marriage relationship between a man and a woman is seen as a spiritual contract, although it also has a legal connotation. Therefore, it’s considered a relationship of high importance, or even the most important. The rituals of this connection in Islam are done through the Nikah ceremony.
The Nikah ceremony’s purpose is similar to the Ketubah Signing Ceremony. The Nikah ceremony must be held in the mosque, where the ceremony determines the rights and obligations between the husband and wife. Including respect, love, commitment, and understanding between the couple. It is signed by quoting Quranic verses and making oaths.
Christ’s Marital Blessing
In Christianity, marriage is seen as a gift from God to humans. Christians stand behind the explanation that marriage is the most important part of life, to spend life with your partner. As well as the intention to have children, who will guide them toward Christianity.
For Christians, marriage is made by purifying the connection between the Church and Christ for the entire journey. Where this connection must be performed all the time in the way they have sworn to convince Christ of their respect and love for each other and him. Always following examples from his life. The Christian wedding ceremony is held in the Church, in the presence of family and friends. Which includes the oath, the exchange of rings, and the blessing by the priest.
Hinduism and Seven Steps
In Hinduism, marriage is considered one of the most important rites of passage in their culture. For them, marriage isn’t only a contract received by institutions, but also a religious sacrament. Before marriage, the couple must take the oath of their parents, and after some other cultural procedures, the marriage ceremony follows.
Marriage is done as a gift from the father or family to the girl. During the Vivaha ceremony, the couple must go around the circle of the sacred fire 7 times, where each circle represents an oath.
The Multifaceted Perspectives on Marriage
Marriage is a universal concept and, at first glance, equally understandable by everyone. However, the interpretation and practice of it takes on a different form and value in different countries, religions, and cultures.
Each religion has its perspective and rituals (even in different countries), but regardless of this, in all religions or anywhere in the world, we agree that marriage is among the most complex and important events that mark a person’s life.
If Christianity sees marriage as a divine institution. Islam sees it as a social and legal contract that embodies the rules of Islam. Judaism sees it as a command from God.. Three Abrahamic religions, three different concepts, but the essence remains the same.
It doesn’t matter if it is a Ketubah Signing Ceremony, a Nikah, or a Vivaha, all the ceremonies themselves aim to contain the trilogy of love, respect, and understanding – for life.