Marriage

WHAT IS MARRIAGE?

Marriage is the union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. Marriage is a legally or formally recognized union of a man and a woman as partners in a relationship. Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a socially or ritually recognized union or legal contract between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them, between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws, as well as society in general

1. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PARTNER

1. Age
2. Background
3. Economic security
4. Character
5. Health
6. Love
7. Compatibility
8. Parental consent
9. Blood group

1. MARRIAGE SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is made up of different ethnic group. Each ethnic group often has its own marriage system

1. Traditional or Customary Marriage: This is a marriage entered into according to native law and customs. It differs from one area to another in Nigeria. Thus, there are traditional marriage customs for the Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, Edos, Effiks e.t.c. Traditional marriage can be either monogamy or polygamy. It is common practice for people to perform the traditional marriage rites first before the other forms such as the church marriage or court marriage.
2. Marriage under Ordinance or Court marriage: It is contracted in the court before a court registrar.

Features of Court Marriage

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• It does not allow either of the couples to enter into a second marriage, unless at the death or official divorce of the other partner
• It is provided by the government
• It is a monogamous form of marriage
• A marriage ordinance certificate is given to the couple who marry this way

3. Church marriage: It is conducted in a church according to the holy bible by a Pastor. Christians perform church marriage. It is a monogamous form of marriage, where a man marries only one wife. Many community recognize this type of marriage as wedding.
4. Muslim or Islamic marriage: This type of marriage takes place in a mosque or the house of the  parents of the woman. It is carried out according to the instructions in the Holy quran and Hadith. In this form of marriage, the man is allowed to marriage many wives. It is polygamous, however, he should not live with more than four wives at a time and the woman are to be treated equally. This marriage is conducted by an Imam.
5. Other forms of marriage

• Gift marriage: A girl may be given out for marriage by her parents as a sort of gift even without her consent. In this case, there will be no courtship or bride price.
• Widow Inheritance marriage: This is a marriage where a male kinsman such as the son of a dead man of very close relatives marries his dead father’s or brother’s wife. He becomes the legal husband and the children belongs to him.
• Ghost marriage: This is a system of marriage where the younger brother of a dead husband to be is expected to marry and have children in the dead man’s name. Both the wife and children belong to the dead man.

1. WHY PEOPLE MARRY

1. For companionship
2. Desire to overcome loneliness
3. Desire to have children
4. To satisfy parents wish for their children to get married
5. Desire to become economically secure
6. Fear of remaining single
7. Opportunity to gain social stakes
8. Desire for freedom from parents
9. For protection

Assessment.

1. What is marriage?
2. What are the factors to consider when choosing a partner?
3. List the different types of marriage system in Nigeria.
4. Why do people marry?

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