The meaning of marriage can differ from religion to religion.

As the same religion is practised over different countries and continents, local culture can also influence and add to the rule of marriage. Below is my brief research of three religious marriages: Christian, Muslim and Hindu; what they mean to the followers and some common ceremonial on the day. Christian marriage Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God and it is important to get married in front of God in a church. It is an assurance that God cares about your relationship and will provide guidance and strength in your life. The church ceremony involves a public declaration of love and commitment made in front of friends and family. Before the wedding ceremony the couple will have their public announcement read out on three Sundays, also known as banns, during the three months before their marriage. They must be read in front of the people of parishes of both couple. The pillar will be decorated with flowers and the couple choose hymns and prayers with the consent of the priest. The ceremony involves the priest affirming what Christians believe in marriage. The couple make their declarations or promise to God that they will love, comfort, honour and protect their partner as long as they both shall live. The vow is followed by the exchange of the rings, the confirmation from the priest that they are married. The vow means that Catholics can not divorce and remarry in Church. The Church is empowered by law in the UK for the signing of the register. Islam wedding In Islam, marriages are not considered sacraments that the marriage is between 'soul-mates'. They are considered to be a legal contract between two parties and confirm their rights and obligations. An islam marriage emphasises that the contract can only be successful when there is mutually respect and cherished. Islam is realistic, and aware that many marriages go wrong and break down for all sorts of reasons and they can divorce. One difference between Islam and other faiths is that a man may have more than one wife, up to the limit of four wives simultaneously - so long as it is not done to the detriment and hurt of the existing Muslim partner(s). However, Muslim women are required to have only one husband at a time - they may still marry more than one man in a lifetime, but consecutively. Islamic wedding ceremony is rather simple and varies according to culture. The marriage does not have to take in a mosque and the Inman does not have to be present. The couple needs approval from their parents so at least one on

each side has to be present. If this is not possible, the Inman can decide if the wedding can go ahead. During the ceremony the bride is asked three times in front of the guests to confirm her consent. The couple is then congratulated and showered with gifts. Hindu marriage Hindu marriage is considered to be sacrament and marks the start of the second and the most important stage of life called the 'Grihistha Ashrama' which involves setting up of a new family unit. The marriage is considered a lifelong partnership between two people and the responsibilities and duties are explained at the wedding ceremony. The details and rituals of the wedding ceremony vary from region to region and often take several hours to complete. The wedding ceremony normally takes place at the bride's house where members of both families are formally introduced. The main part of the ceremony is the lighting of a sacred fire and the Purohit (Priest) recites the sacred mantras in Sanskrit. The bride and groom walks around the fire and offer prayers in each of the step. The seven vows are exchanged. The first for food, the second for strength, the third for prosperity, the fourth for wisdom, the fifth for progeny, the sixth for health and the seventh for friendship. They walk over stone to symbolise the willingness and strength of the bride to overcome difficulties and the groom is reminded of his responsibilities to lead. This teaches the virtue of selflessness required to run a family. The couple are blessed by the elders and the priest for a long and prosperous married life.