BY KASE GREATNESS
Marriage is one of the universal social institutions established to control and regulate the life of mankind. It is closely associated with the institution of the family; on the other hand, a wedding is a ceremony being hosted to mark the beginning of marriage. A wedding is a collective name used for all the ceremonies and rituals that take place to give social acceptance to the relationship between two people, whereas marriage is the name of a life-long institution which starts after the wedding ceremony.
Marriage has been a part of human society for thousands of years and has evolved. The first recorded evidence of marriage ceremonies uniting one woman and a man dates from about 2350 B.C. in Mesopotamia.
The origin of marriage can also be traced back to ancient civilizations where it served various purposes such as creating social bonds, ensuring the continuation of family lines, and providing stability within communities. In many cultures, marriage was also a way to establish alliances between families and tribes. Over many centuries, marriage has taken on different forms and meanings depending on cultural, religious, and social norms. However, it continues to be a significant institution in society, symbolizing love, commitment and partnership between individuals.
Unfortunately, as life evolves and progresses, people tend to focus more on the wedding ceremony over the essence of marriage itself. People often prioritize the wedding ceremony over marriage because weddings are seen as a significant cultural and social event that symbolizes the union of two people. In recent times, wedding ceremonies are now being considered above the marriage itself and this ought not to be so.
Wedding ceremonies are now being prioritised over the marriage itself. Wedding ceremonies have now taken a different shape entirely people coming up with various eventful plans for the ceremony with amazing decorations, setup and beautiful organization.
The beauty and effort being placed and attached to present-day wedding ceremonies are so captivating that if channelled into marriage itself, it could last for ages. Sadly, people tend to take a longer time preparing for their wedding ceremonies but have zero or no plan at all for the marriage itself.
In an interview with Mrs Patience Idoko, a marriage counsellor, regarding the current trend of prioritizing wedding ceremonies over marriage, she said ‘’People often rank the wedding ceremony over the marriage itself because weddings are seen as a significant cultural and social event that symbolizes the union of two individuals. The ceremony is a public declaration of love and commitment, celebrated with family and friends, making it a memorable and joyous occasion’’.
She further stated that the grandeur and festivities of a wedding ceremony are often valued for creating lasting memories and marking the beginning of a new chapter in life. While the ceremony is important, it’s essential to remember that the foundation of a successful marriage lies in the commitment, communication, and mutual respect between the partners beyond the Wedding Day.
People sometimes focus more on the wedding ceremony because it’s a big, celebratory event that symbolizes the love and commitment between two people. The excitement of the ceremony and the chance to celebrate with family and friends can make it feel like the highlight. However, it’s crucial to remember that the real essence of a successful marriage lies in the ongoing commitment, communication, and understanding between partners long after the Wedding Day.
Weddings tend to take the spotlight because they’re such significant social and cultural events that bring together loved ones to witness the union of two individuals. The wedding is just the beginning of the journey, and the marriage is the ongoing adventure where the true depth of love and partnership is explored and nurtured.’’
She further encourages couples to consider the marriage itself as they go about preparing for their elaborate wedding ceremonies.
People often put a spotlight on the wedding ceremony because it is a momentous occasion filled with celebration, love, and cherished memories. While the ceremony is a beautiful start, the real essence of a successful and fulfilling marriage lies in the ongoing commitment, communication, and mutual understanding between partners beyond the wedding day. It’s about building a strong foundation for a lasting and meaningful relationship that goes far beyond the glamour of the ceremony.
