English Guru

      Answer the following questions.

a. According to the author, what is marriage?

Ans. According to the author, marriage is much more than the sum of two spouses which is defined by loyal, moral, and conventional assumptions and has a variety of close personal relationships and associations.

b. How is marriage an institution?

Ans. Marriage is an institution in the sense that it is a means of meeting social, economic, physical, and family requirements by two individuals, and it is linked to other institutions such as education, the economy, and politics.

c. What are the rules that a marriage has?

Ans. Marriage has a set of rules that guarantee the rights of the spouses to each other and the right of children within a society.

d. Why does marriage matter to men?

Ans. Marriage matters to men because it gives them direction in their lives and helps to achieve their goals and ambitions.

e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?

Ans. One of the central problems in modern society is legitimate boundaries around individuals limiting the desires for wellbeing, comfort, luxury, and prestige.

f. What does social capital consist of?

Ans. Social capital consists of a vast network of people who are all connected by a bond of trustworthiness and reliability.

g. What is normative marriage? Explain.

Ans. A marriage that follows social norms and values is known as normative marriage. It is greater than the combination of two heterosexual individuals. It represents the collective sentiments of others too.

   Reference to the context

a. Discuss six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.

Ans. The six dimensions that define normative marriage in America are:  getting married is a personal choice; the marital relation must be heterosexual or within opposite sexes; husbands will be the principal bread earners in the family; married spouses will be sexually faithful to each other, and after getting married they will become parents or able to have children of their own. Many marriages depart from these ideals, the ideals still constitute the core of normative marriage as it is expressed in law, religion, and custom.  Although marriage occurs throughout the world it varies from area to area. Every culture has its own set of marital rules and ideas. Whatever it is, it allows two individuals of opposite sexes the legal right to live together as live partners and satisfy each other's wishes.

b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?

Marriage practices vary across cultures. Every culture has its own way of conducting marriage according to their traditions and customs. Most cultures share common customs and practices, while some others have unique practices. Even within our country, the marriage practices of one geographical place differ from those of others.

Marriage practices in Nepal is different than in America. Arranged marriages are popular in Nepali culture. Families play a significant role in finding suitable partners based on compatibility, social status, and other factors.  Love marriages are the norm in America. While families may offer advice and support, the couple ultimately chooses who they want to marry. Arranged marriages are rare. Traditional Nepalese weddings are multi-day affairs with vibrant rituals and festivities. The specific ceremonies vary depending on region, ethnicity, and religion. Common elements include a "mandap" (wedding platform), fire rituals, exchange of garlands, and blessings from elders. American wedding ceremonies are more diverse and personal, ranging from religious ceremonies to secular celebrations. 

Family involvement in marriage is strong in Nepal. Parents often play a leading role in selecting partners. After marriage, extended family members may live together or remain closely involved in the couple's lives. Independence and individuality are emphasized in American marriages, and extended families may live separately. Traditional gender roles are more prevalent in Nepal. The wife is expected to take on household responsibilities while the husband works outside the home. Nepalese society is experiencing rapid change. Love marriages are becoming increasingly common these days, but may still face some societal pressures.

 

   Reference beyond the text

a. Write an essay on the marriage practice in your own culture. 'Marriage Practice in My Culture'

Nepal is a multireligious, multicultural, multilingual country. It has a wide variety of ethnicities and tribal population, giving diversity to the rituals and practices involved in weddings. However, the majority of marriages in Nepal are either according to Hindu tradition or Buddhist traditions. As, I am from Hindu culture, marriage in my culture extends far beyond the grandeur of the ceremony. It signifies the merging of two families, a tapestry woven with threads of respect, love, and unwavering support. The bride becomes a daughter to the groom's family, showered with affection and welcomed with open arms.

In my culture, the groom and his family along with neighbors, relatives, and a music band leave for the bride’s house on the wedding day. The group of people along with the groom and music band is called ‘Janti’. There is  traditional music band that play traditional musical instruments called ‘Panche Baja’. Behind them are the groom and the group of people performing dance. The wedding ceremony is performed at the bride’s house. On the arrival of Janti at the bride’s house they are welcomed by the parents and relatives of the Bride. Janti is welcomed with the feast called ‘Janti Bhoj’ (marriage party). The groom is taken to ‘Jaggey’ or ‘Mandap’ (the place to perform the wedding ritual).

The most important person in the wedding ceremony is the ‘Pundit’ (priest). The Pundit performs the marriage ceremony by chanting the ‘mantras’ through the holy book. The ritual is performed by revolving around the sacred fire for seven times with the knot tied between the couples indicating the seven lives of togetherness. The fire, a divine witness, becomes a conduit for their promises, ascending heavenward with the smoke, etching their union into the eternal tapestry of existence. The marriage ritual is completed when the groom puts ‘Sindur’ (red vermillion powder) on the bride’s head and ‘Potey’ or ‘Tilari’ (a holy Necklace) around the neck. Sindur and Potey have great significance for married women in my culture. After this, the bride’s father washes the feet of the wedded couple and all the relatives and family members will bless them with ‘Tika’ (on the forehead) and gifts. Finally, the married couple along with the janti departs from the bride’s house dancing and celebrating with Panche baja.

Lots of entertainment activities and celebration is carried out at the Groom’s house called “Ratyauli”. Ratyauli is the celebration at the groom’s house that includes singing, and dancing and starts a day before the wedding. The marriage ritual is thus the most important as well as entertaining ritual since whole family members and relatives are involved. The wedded couple starts their new life by sharing their feeling, body, culture, and love for eternity. In this way, the couple begins their newlywed life in my culture.