Bride is an ancient word that has a variety of meanings. It can be used to describe a woman who is about to get married or a newlywed person. In Western cultures, bride is usually a woman who wears a white dress. She may be attended by a maid of honor, or a bridesmaid. A bridesmaid is someone who helps with the wedding planning. They help the bride plan a shower and bachelorette party, and contribute to the groom’s outfit.
The term bride is also used to refer to a wedding-breakfast. Bride-lace is a form of silk or gold that was once used to bind rosemary sprigs worn at weddings. Bride-bells were once used to call people to the ceremony. Several other bride-related terms are still in use, including bride-ale and bride-favours.
In the Middle Ages, wheat ears were considered a symbol of plenty. Young girls would gather outside the church to throw grains of wheat over the bride. These words are not just a coincidence. They are also symbols of a societal practice that has continued today in many countries around the world.
In Thailand, the bride price is an important dowry tradition. It provides assurance to the bride and her family that the couple will have a stable financial future. Often, the amount paid is substantial. If the marriage breaks down, the family can demand the bride price back. This convention is viewed as a significant obstacle to women who might choose to leave a bad relationship.
The bride price is part of the larger concept of Thai family values, where the woman is expected to assist her husband in a multitude of household duties. Women are encouraged to help out and support their husbands, even if the groom is not very good at completing these tasks.
Bride price is a form of compensation for a bride’s family, and is often given in the form of goods. However, it is difficult to determine the actual dollar value. Some claim that it has little value, but others say that it is a good social policy.
There are several variants of the bride-price, each with different implications. One theory is that it is a token of goodwill to the newlyweds’ families, as a gesture to continue a tradition of goodwill. Another view is that it is a gift from the bridegroom to the bride’s family.
Several African nations have called for abolishing the bride price, but it remains popular in many Asian countries. Many anthropologists say the bride price is not a purchase price, but a way to show appreciation for the bride’s upbringing and provide for the needs of the bride and her children.
However, there has been little research to confirm or disprove this theory. Most estimates are in the realm of a few hundred dollars. Because of this, more research is necessary.
Some of the most important variables related to bride-price payments at marriage are age, gender, and marital status. However, the coefficients of these relationships are relatively insignificant.