Describe the significant practice of marriage ceremony within Christianity

Study Notes for Studies of Religion Stage 6 Syllabus:

Wedding Rings


Christian marriage is a sacrament in which a man and woman make a lifetime commitment to love and support each other in a partnership under God. The ceremony typically takes place in a church and is led by a priest or minister.

The ceremony begins with a processional in which the wedding party, including the bride and groom, their parents, and attendants, enter the church. The ceremony usually includes a reading from the Bible, hymns or other worship music, and a homily or sermon given by the priest or minister.

The couple then exchange vows, in which they pledge to love and honor each other for the rest of their lives. The vows are usually traditional, such as "I, (name), take you, (name), to be my lawfully wedded spouse. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, until death do us part."

The exchange of rings follows the exchange of vows, symbolizing the couple's commitment to each other. Rings are blessed by the priest or minister, and then the couple exchange them, as the minister or priest says "With this ring, I thee wed".

After the exchange of rings, the priest or minister will then pronounce the couple as husband and wife, and may offer a prayer for the couple's future. The ceremony concludes with a recessional, in which the wedding party exits the church.

In some Christian denominations, the couple will also participate in a communion, which is the sacrament of the Eucharist, or the Lord's Supper. This is a symbolic meal that is based on the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.

In the Catholic Church, the couple may also participate in the sacrament of Matrimony, in which the couple's union is blessed by God and recognized by the Church. This sacrament is considered to be one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and is seen as a way for the couple to be sanctified by God and to receive grace to help them in their marriage.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the sacrament of marriage is also considered to be one of the seven sacraments, and is usually performed in the context of the Divine Liturgy. The ceremony includes the exchange of crowns, which symbolize the couple's commitment to each other, and a blessing of the couple by the priest.

In some Protestant denominations, such as the Anglican Church, the ceremony also includes the exchange of rings and the blessing of the couple by the minister. However, the sacrament of marriage is not recognized in all Protestant denominations.

In any case, Christian marriage is considered to be a sacred and lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, and is blessed by God. It is also a public declaration of love and commitment, and is often celebrated with a wedding ceremony and reception. The marriage ceremony within Christianity is an important sacrament, and marks the beginning of a new family and a new chapter in the couple's lives.

 

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