ABSTRACT

For a Hanuabadan, marriage is the most important event in his life. It almost plays the role for him that initiation plays in the lives of men of other Melanesian societies, for until marriage a man or woman is not fully an adult, sociologically speaking. Marriage is the occasion on which a man can demonstrate that he has the full support of his kindred, who assist with the ceremonial exchanges. To have the support of kindred a man must be morally good and have been useful and helpful socially; hence a successful marriage is evidence of the standing of the groom’s father and family.