Types of Marriage
Basically there are three types of marriage today:-
In most cases marriages are arranged by parents and elders from both the boy's side and that of the girls.
Dowry is often involved depending on culture and referred to as bride price/ bride wealth since there is serious bargaining till they compromise on number of animals, birds and money.
Marriage is conducted by friends and elders following some cultural norms for instance interviews on ones physical ability or how hard working one is and level of responsibility.
Among the Iteso a girl is tested in the garden, process of preparing millet brew (Ajono) and peas paste (emagira). On the other hand among the Banyole a boy is given bananas to squeeze juice equivalent to five or more pots of some standard to prove that he is strong enough to squeeze a woman.
Even on the wedding night people make sure that marriage is consummated e.g. among the Banyole the couple were made to sleep on fresh banana leaves which have been warmed by the fire to judge the ability to tear the leaves and therefore the boys strength; meanwhile the parents sit by the door to listen.
This type of marriage depends on particular faith for instance Christians emphasises monogamy in a faithful loving relationship while for Muslims their faith allow up to four or more wives depending ones ability to cater for them.
Such marriages are conducted by religious leaders in a powerful wedding ceremony where vows take place in presence of witnesses and the congregation.
Bride and Groom
This is a state type of marriage where the bridegroom and bride register their marriage before a government official e.g. C.A.O or chief magistrate's court.
It is life long and can only be separated in courts of law; vows are made to express permanence. In Uganda the woman must be at least 20 and the man 22 years of age even without the consent of parents.
Christian marriage is therefore a combination of civil marriage and religious because the church weds on the behalf of the state except that church weds on the behalf of the state except that Church marriage requires consent of parents and the ideal is love between both.
Importance of Marriage
Procreation: In marriage society increases in number and this enables society to grow and avoid extinction and this mirrors God's creative activity as co-creators (Gen 1 :26- 28).
Mutual compliment: The full image of God is a combination of both male and female so that as they stay together, work in unity, completeness is achieved.
Model of Christ's relationship: Marriage acts as a model relationship of Christ with which we find love finding its meaning full expression for God's glory. Just as Christ loved church to the extent of sacrificing his life for it so should married partners. (1 Pet 3: 1- 7)
Remedy against sin: Marriage acts as a remedy against sin so that those who cannot stay alone or cannot control themselves should marry and express and express faithfulness to one another i.e. sexual faithfulness (1 Cor 7:8-9).
Fellowship: In marriage the two become one flesh in a life giving relationship and are able to plan together, work and carry one another's burden.
Family stability: If the family is to fulfil its functions, stability is very important which is only possible in marriage relationship through love between husband and wife.
Marriage is useful in creating relationship or diplomatic associations in case of conflicting societies or tribes e.g. for along time Jap Adholas and Banyole were enemies (Banja Machoni - old debt) but through marriage they became friends because of a new way of paying the debt (Banja Machoni).
Marriage acts as source of labour in case of polygamy plant of work is done easily.
Marriage acts as source of wealth / income in terms of bride wealth for then daughters' poor families raise standards.
It is another way of fulfilling God's command of Gen 2:18 which express that "it is not good for man to be alone."
Marriage is important for procreation and upbringing of children in order to fill the earth.
Marriage serves accommodation to excess women.
It helps to eliminate sex deviation and acts as a remedy against sin since it offers sexual satisfaction.
Marriage adds to ones prestige and status i.e. however ugly a man or woman is as long as he/ she is married one has more respect in society than aim unmarried beautiful or handsome person.
It is in marriage that one can express responsibility or maturity.
In marriage children are born who in future become security of their parents economically and defence against aggression.
It also gives sense of belonging and gives ownership or authority by the man.
lt is useful for continuation of lineage of ancestors so that the family name is preserved.
It is one way of serving others in society since people look at them for assistance.
It extends relationship i.e. the more wives one has the more one has relationship with other tribes or races / groupings as it extends beyond such barriers.
Through marriage there is more exchange of ideas from different backgrounds where people share and discuss issues of interest.
