Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2016 12:38:17 GMT -5
In Calandria, the institution of marriage is both a religious and a secular matter. Stability of the family is of paramount importance in maintaining peace and prosperity throughout the region, and so the issues of compatibility, partnership and appropriateness are incorporated into each potential marriage.
Men and women in Calandria must be at least age 16 to marry; however, betrothals can be agreed upon as early as the child’s birth with the proviso that both parties may sever the agreement if incompatibility becomes an issue.
Betrothals of the lower classes are conducted between the families without intermediary, but those of the vassal houses are subject to ducal review, especially if the vassal is seeking a marriage beyond the region. Typically, the betrothal negotiations are conducted by the Duke or Duchess between the vassal house and the potential bride or groom, and signed in their presence. Betrothals of any member of the ducal house are often submitted to the King as a matter of courtesy.
Courtship is not limited by age, though they are encouraged to be a minimum duration of a year’s time to better allow the couple to learn about each other. Until a betrothal agreement is signed and sealed, the couple is not permitted to be alone together and must be chaperoned by a family member at all times, regardless of rank. This does not always happen, of course! Once the betrothal agreements are concluding, the couple is allowed extremely limited and regimented alone time to prevent any inappropriate actions prior to the marriage. However, in situations where this ideal progression does not occur, there have been arrow-point marriages. The Duke prefers to avoid this, but understands indiscretions occur.
In cases where the families reside distantly from each other, once the betrothal is concluded, the future bride enters the household of her betrothed’s family to learn their customs and trades, to grow accustomed to the expected role she will fill upon marriage and to continue acquaintanceship with her betrothed. This is true especially of the noble ranks where the bride will become lady of the house.
The marriage ceremony is a time of great celebration in Calandria. Brides in Calandria typically wear green on their wedding day and are crowned with green ivy and yellow flowers, tied with white ribbons to indicate their innocence. Veils are seldom worn. There is no specific hue indicated for grooms, though many will wear blue as a sign of their fidelity in the forthcoming marriage, and a yellow flower to indicate honor.
The couple meet in the church or chapel before the priest of the Triune, surrounded by their family. The ceremony is private, conducted in an exchange of vows and a tying of the couple’s hands with ribbons to indicate that they are bound together in marriage. For those who can afford it, rings may be exchanged, simple bands of silver.
Once the ceremony is completed, the celebrations begin. Even the poorest and least of Calandria will host a gathering with what they can give where the health of the couple is drunk and cakes are shared before music and dancing begin. Gifts are often given to help build the household, though few brides do not enter their married life without a trousseau and a dowry of some kind, whether it be monetary or material goods.
Men and women in Calandria must be at least age 16 to marry; however, betrothals can be agreed upon as early as the child’s birth with the proviso that both parties may sever the agreement if incompatibility becomes an issue.
Betrothals of the lower classes are conducted between the families without intermediary, but those of the vassal houses are subject to ducal review, especially if the vassal is seeking a marriage beyond the region. Typically, the betrothal negotiations are conducted by the Duke or Duchess between the vassal house and the potential bride or groom, and signed in their presence. Betrothals of any member of the ducal house are often submitted to the King as a matter of courtesy.
Courtship is not limited by age, though they are encouraged to be a minimum duration of a year’s time to better allow the couple to learn about each other. Until a betrothal agreement is signed and sealed, the couple is not permitted to be alone together and must be chaperoned by a family member at all times, regardless of rank. This does not always happen, of course! Once the betrothal agreements are concluding, the couple is allowed extremely limited and regimented alone time to prevent any inappropriate actions prior to the marriage. However, in situations where this ideal progression does not occur, there have been arrow-point marriages. The Duke prefers to avoid this, but understands indiscretions occur.
In cases where the families reside distantly from each other, once the betrothal is concluded, the future bride enters the household of her betrothed’s family to learn their customs and trades, to grow accustomed to the expected role she will fill upon marriage and to continue acquaintanceship with her betrothed. This is true especially of the noble ranks where the bride will become lady of the house.
The marriage ceremony is a time of great celebration in Calandria. Brides in Calandria typically wear green on their wedding day and are crowned with green ivy and yellow flowers, tied with white ribbons to indicate their innocence. Veils are seldom worn. There is no specific hue indicated for grooms, though many will wear blue as a sign of their fidelity in the forthcoming marriage, and a yellow flower to indicate honor.
The couple meet in the church or chapel before the priest of the Triune, surrounded by their family. The ceremony is private, conducted in an exchange of vows and a tying of the couple’s hands with ribbons to indicate that they are bound together in marriage. For those who can afford it, rings may be exchanged, simple bands of silver.
Once the ceremony is completed, the celebrations begin. Even the poorest and least of Calandria will host a gathering with what they can give where the health of the couple is drunk and cakes are shared before music and dancing begin. Gifts are often given to help build the household, though few brides do not enter their married life without a trousseau and a dowry of some kind, whether it be monetary or material goods.