ABSTRACT
Cultural and religious wedding customs are embedded in history; however, at times this context evolves to the point where the underlying meaning is lost. In other cases, the historical implications of certain traditions may be seen as best forgotten, yet it is through this exploration of the past that a depth of understanding can be reached. Weddings offer a unique opportunity to examine the nature and purpose of marriage norms through a cultural lens. As such, Chapter 2 covers three main areas: 1) cultural hegemony and socialization for marriage; 2) mate selection; and 3) wedding customs.
