Marriage, in biblical days, was...
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Marriage, in biblical days, was more a matter of economics than of romance. Marriages were usually arranged by parents or brokers. There was little premarital mixing of the sexes, so bride and groom often did not meet until their betrothal. Since there were no "women's rights" advocates, women had little choice in the matter. An unmarried woman was a burden to her parents or to the community. Wives, on the other hand, were a working asset in the home or on the farm. They had to be bought and paid for. Wealthy men could have two or more wives -- as many as they could afford. When a marriage was planned, first came the formal betrothal with an exchange of gifts. This was a binding ceremony and, often, the only one. A betrothed bride (like the Virgin Mary was to Joseph) was bound to her husband and could be put away only by divorce proceedings. However, in many cases, there was a gala wedding day when the groom and his family and friends trooped to the bride's home to claim her in marriage. With the families watching, the union was blessed; the bridal party then went to the groom's house, where a feast and party took place, often lasting a week or more.
