Betrothal

Betrothal is a formal state of engagement to be married. Historically betrothal was a formal contract, blessed or officiated by a religious authority. Betrothal is no longer common beyond some Arabic cultures, and both Orthodox and Messianic Jews.

Typical steps of a betrothal were:

• Selection of the bride
  • usually done by the groom's family with the bride having little or no input
  • this is no longer practiced except in the most conservative cultures, and most of these have a requirement that the bride be allowed at least veto power
• Negotiation of bride price or dowry
  • in modern practice the bride price has been reduced to the symbolic engagement ring
• Blessing by Clergy
• Exchange of Vows and Signing of Contracts
  • often one of these is omitted
• Celebration

The exact duration of a betrothal varies according to culture and the participants? needs and wishes. For adults, it may be anywhere from several hours (when the betrothal is incorporated into the wedding day itself) to a period of several years. A year and a day are common in neo-pagan groups today. In the case of child marriage, betrothal might last from infancy until the age of marriage.

The responsibilities and privileges of betrothal vary. In most cultures the betrothed couple is expected to spend much time together, learning about each other. In some historical cultures (including Online proposal