Module 1: FAMILY

(Page 21) Resource sheet 5

MARRIAGE PROMISES

In many marriage ceremonies, promises or vows are made. These may not always be said in words, but may be implied by acts of the ceremony. Sometimes these promises are made between the families rather than between the individuals.

Buddhist

The ceremonies vary in the different countries. However in Sri Lanka, these traditional vows are taken:

Towards my wife I undertake to love and respect her, be kind and considerate, be faithful, delegate domestic management, provide gifts to please her.

Towards my husband I undertake to perform my household duties efficiently, be hospitable to my in-laws and friends of my husband, be faithful, protect and invest our earnings, discharge my responsibilities lovingly and conscientiously.

Christian

In the marriage service, the bride and the bridegroom make the following vows to each other:

I take you to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and this is my solemn vow.

Then when the ring/rings are given they say:

I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.