Marriage and Religion

Christian MarriageChristians believe that marriage is a gift from God and that it is a reflection of the loving relationship between God and His people. They say it is the right environment for a couple to have sex and for having children. Getting married in a church, in front of God, family and friends is very important.

Christian MarriageThe couple make these promises:I take you to be my wedded husband/wife,to have and to holdfrom this day forward;for better, for worse,for richer, for poorer,in sickness and in health,to love and to cherish,till death do us part.

Can you remember the different things mentioned in the promises?

To have and ___________From this day forwardFor better, ___________For richer, ___________In sickness and __________To love and ____________Till ________________

Muslim Marriage

Marriages have to be declared publicly. They should never be done in secret. There is usually a large feast, or walimah - a party which shows everyone that the couple are married and belong to each other.

The actual Muslim wedding is known as a nikah. It is a simple ceremony. Normally, the ceremony consists of reading from the Qur'an, and the exchange of vows in front of witnesses for both partners.

Muslim Marriage

A Muslim wife has many rights in the marriage.  A sum of money called a dowry is paid to the woman, she is allowed to keep this, even if the marriage fails and ends up in divorce.

Muslim Marriage

Can you explain what these words mean?

• walimah

• niqah

• dowry

Jewish Marriage

A Jewish husband promises to feed, clothe and care for his wife.

Jewish Marriage

The marriage takes place under a Chuppah, a canopy held up by four poles.  The Chuppah is a symbol of their new life together in their own home.  Both bride and groom fast until after the ceremony.

Jewish Marriage

The Rabbi blesses the couple and then the new husband breaks a glass with his foot.  It is a reminder or symbol of the destruction of the Temple back in the history of Judaism. 

What do these two things symbolise?

• The Chuppah

• The breaking of a glass