Where marriage originated?

Marriage is most often known as a formal and legal union or contract between two people that bring their lives together emotionally and financially.  Historically it has been known to be between a man and a woman; however, as times and society has changed, it is also legal in some places for two men or two women to be married.  Some communities and cultures do allow men to have more than one wife at a time.

History states that the idea of marriage is about 4,350 years old and was done not because people were in love or wanted to spend their lives together. Still, it was done to ensure that the woman was bound to the man, and he could then be assured that his heirs were his true biological children.  People who were married often did not have a choice, and the marriage was arranged.  A woman became a man’s property, in addition to establishing a forged alliance between families.  This could expand property, and other survival needs.  In addition, often, cousins were married to one another.  This was done to keep alliances within the family.

History states that the first recorded marriage ceremony was dated 2350 B.C in Mesopotamia and was between a man and a woman.  After that, it then becomes widely accepted and encouraged later by the ancient Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans.  Religion did not enter into the concept of marriage until much later.  The church would accept a couple’s word that they were married without any proof until 1563.  It was not until 1563 that the Catholic Church passed a decree that stated marriages should be conducted by a priest and have at least two witnesses.  It was not until 1639 that Massachusetts began to require a marriage license until that practice became more popular and eventually required to become married.

Marriage has continued to evolve, and it probably was not until the last 50-75 years that love started becoming another reason that was included in the purpose and idea of marriage.  Marriage has certainly evolved from expected and often required to optional and voluntary.