________________
SX
AIMS OF THE PUBLICATION
British society in the twenty first century has examples of many more cultures, traditions and faiths than was the case in the past. Over time there has been an increase in the number of interfaith and intercultural marriages. Most religions do not encourage this practice and so it is often very difficult for prospective couples to find accurate information about the marriage traditions and cultural expectations of different faiths. Anyone who marries a partner from a different religious or cultural background will encounter many issues that need to be considered. These can include the way of life and customs of different traditions, the
ons of how children should be raised, which religious traditions are to be followed and the relationship with the different families.
The aim of the publication is to give informed and contextualized information about marriage beliefs and customs in nine major world faiths, namely Baha'i, Buddhist, Christianity, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Judaism, Sikh and Zoroastrian, currently practised in Britain.
For this publication we have asked the leaders of these faiths to write about their own religious beliefs, wedding processes, rites, rituals, customs, celebration and pre-marital guidance for the prospective couples. These accounts are offered as a starting point and provide an outline and should not be regarded as definitive accounts of the individual religions. All religions are dynamic and often contain great diversity within them. Further material, references and contact details are provided at the end of the publication for additional study and research. We believe this publication undertaken by the Jain academy will be useful not only to the prospective couples, but will provide important information for use in schools, social services, local authorities and faith communities.
Marriage: An Introduction
For many people throughout the world, the aim of their lives is to have a happy marriage and to bring their children up to be responsible adults. Traditionally, marriage has been a bond between a man and woman that has included that most intimate of acts, sexual union, and the possible union of two families. In recent years this pattern has changed. Marriage is no longer is the choice for some couples and others have opted for same - sex relationship but many religious faiths do not accept this phenomena.
How a partner is chosen also varies in that it can be by individual choice or by arranged marriage. In most countries both are practised. There are debates about arranged marriage and issues about personal freedom; however an arranged marriage is still the case for many couples in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Many Indian families who have settled outside India still uphold the tradition of arranged marriages. Often the most important aspect in arranged marriages is the bond between the
08
