Are Ukrainian marriages arranged?
If you’ve ever wondered whether Ukrainian marriages are arranged, the answer is no…but…sort of…yes. While couples usually meet each other before getting married, their parents and grandparents might play a big role in the decision-making process. In Ukrainian culture, marriages are seen as a way to join two families together, rather than just two individuals. Because of this, parents and other relatives often desire to take a very active role in finding potential partners for their children.
Usually their efforts do not make a lot of effect. Although, sometimes they may even arrange for the two parties to meet each other! Of course, not all Ukrainian marriages are arranged. Most couples do meet on their own and make the decision to marry without any interference from their families. But it’s still quite common for families to be involved in the process.
What is an arranged marriage?
An arranged marriage is a marriage that is planned and organized by someone other than the bride and groom. In most cases, the parents of the bride and groom arrange the marriage. The couple may have some say in who they marry, but ultimately it is up to the parents to choose a suitable partner for their child.
Arranged marriages are common in many cultures, including Ukrainian culture. In fact, arranged marriages were once the norm in Ukraine. However, times have changed and now more couples are choosing to marry for love rather than following their parents’ wishes.
That being said, there are still many families who prefer to arrange marriages. And there are some of benefits to arranged marriages, too. For one, parents can help ensure that their child marries someone who is compatible with them, both in terms of personality and lifestyle. Secondly, arranged marriages might result in strong family ties and support systems.
But mostly people in such marriages are unhappy because decisions are made for them, and this is contrary to the will of man as a free being. Such marriage can bring a lot of suffering and psychological problems. Fortunately, arranged weddings in Ukraine for most Ukrainians are long in the past and remain only as a fact of historycal heritage.
If you’re thinking about getting married in Ukraine, it’s important to understand both sides of the issue. Weighing the pros and cons of an arranged marriage will help you make the best decision for yourself and your future spouse.
History of arranged marriages in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the tradition of arranged marriages is centuries old. In the old days, parents would arrange marriages for their children in order to solidify alliances between families and clans. Usually, the bride and groom would not meet each other until the day of their wedding.
Nowadays, arranged marriages are not as common as they once were. However, they still occur from time to time, especially in rural areas of Ukraine. Often, these arrangements are made by grandparents or other relatives, rather than parents. The reasons for arranging a marriage can vary, but usually involve wanting to keep property or wealth within the family.
While some Ukrainians see arranged marriages as a way to uphold tradition, others view them as outdated and oppressive. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of young women who have fled their homes to escape forced marriages.
If you are considering entering into an arranged marriage in Ukraine, it is important to make sure that you are doing so willingly and with full knowledge of what you are agreeing to. Speak with your family and friends about your decision, and be sure to get help from a professional if you have any doubts or concerns.
How do arranged marriages work in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, marriages are often arranged by parents or other relatives. This is done with the hope of finding a good match for their son or daughter, and to help them find a partner who is compatible with their family. Often times, these matches are made based on social status, wealth, or religion.
If both parties agree to the match, then they will start to get to know each other better. They may go on dates or spend time together in order to see if they are truly compatible. Once they decide that they want to marry each other, they will exchange marriage vows and have a wedding ceremony.
Pros and cons of arranged marriages
When it comes to marriage, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different cultures have different customs and traditions when it comes to this life-changing event. In some cultures, marriages are arranged by parents or other relatives. In others, couples choose their own partners.
There are pros and cons to both approaches. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of arranged marriages.
Pros of arranged marriages
1. Arranged marriages often lead to strong, lasting relationships. Couples who have had their marriages arranged by their families tend to stick together through thick and thin. This may be because they feel a sense of duty to their families or because they simply don’t know how to go about getting a divorce in their culture. Either way, arranged marriages can provide stability and security in a relationship.
2. Arranged marriages can help prevent divorce. Because couples in arranged marriages usually have strong family support systems, they are less likely to get divorced than couples who choose their own partners. This is especially true in cultures where divorce is frowned upon or not an option.
3. Arranged marriages can help ensure that children are raised in a stable home environment. When parents arrange a marriage for their child, they often do so with the intention of providing a stable home life for the child. This can be beneficial for children, as they can avoid the stress and upheaval that can come from growing up in a broken home.
Cons of arranged marriages
There are many potential disadvantages of arranged marriages.
1. One is that the couple may not have any real chemistry with each other and may end up being miserable together.
2. Another possibility is that they may not be compatible in terms of interests, values or personality.
3. Also, arranged marriages can put a lot of pressure on the couple to make it work, even if they’re not happy together. And if the family is involved in arranging the marriage, it can be difficult for the couple to assert their independence and make decisions for themselves.
Are Ukrainian marriages still arranged?
Some Ukrainian marriages might still be arranged by parents or other relatives, although this practice is not as common as it once was. In most cases, the bride and groom would still meet each other before the wedding, but in very rare cases, they may not meet until the day of the ceremony.
Arranged marriages are more common in rural areas of Ukraine than in urban areas. They are also more common among older generations than among younger people. Many Ukrainians believe that arranged marriages is something abnormal in the modern world. Ukrainians value their freedom, including freedom of choice.
Therefore, arranged marriage is almost impossible to meet among young couples in Ukraine. Yes, parents may often be against the marriage choice of their children, but then most often children quarrel with their parents and sometimes even stop communicating, choosing a bride or groom.
Conclusion
Ukrainian marriages are mostly never arranged nowadays. Some couples, mostly in rural areas of Ukraine, do have their marriage arranged by their parents or other family members, but overwhelming majority choose to marry for love. Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an arranged marriage is up to the couple themselves.
Even if you find few arranged marriages in modern Ukraine, the bride and groom usually know each other before the wedding, and most often date each other as boyfriend and girlfriend, adhering to certain frameworks established by their parents.