According to dictionary, the word dowry means the money, goods or estate that a wife brings to husband at marriage. In Bible old testments, there are similar system mentioned. But it's just opposite way. If a man wants to marry a woman, he must pay a sum or gift to the woman's parents. It's very clearly written there; describing Issac's and Rebekah's marriage ( Genesis 24 ). But in today's custom, girls parents must pay it to groom as bride's price. When it was changed? Who changed it? No clear evidence available in history. The old concept mentioned in religious book was good at that time, the groom pay the bride's price and bought over and regain his rights on his wife. But now-a-days, bride's parents should pay the price to groom and loose the rights on her too and they are more worried about their daughters. In another word, groom gets money, property or whatever and get full rights on his bride; get paid for doing nothing. The old custom was indeed good, which protects girls and make sure the appropriate considerations give to girls family.
Studying history, we can understand that it was widely practised in Europe. One common penalty for the kidnapping and rape of an unmarried woman was that the abductor or rapist had to provide the woman's dowry. Until the late 20th century this was sometimes called wreath money, or the breach of promise. Well this was very nice part; I guess it could reduce the sex crime on women. In France, Nuns were required to bring dowry when joining to convent.
While studying bible, this portion was stuck in my mind. Thanks to Wikepedia for some valuable points to pick. It may be an eye-opener to some.
Studying history, we can understand that it was widely practised in Europe. One common penalty for the kidnapping and rape of an unmarried woman was that the abductor or rapist had to provide the woman's dowry. Until the late 20th century this was sometimes called wreath money, or the breach of promise. Well this was very nice part; I guess it could reduce the sex crime on women. In France, Nuns were required to bring dowry when joining to convent.
While studying bible, this portion was stuck in my mind. Thanks to Wikepedia for some valuable points to pick. It may be an eye-opener to some.
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