Originally posted by: luv_khwaish
exactly! the concept of "engagement" is a westernized concept . plz correct me if i'm wrong. where in our culture is it mentioned that couples should exchange rings first and then marry?
no luv... the exchanging rings and cakes etc are all definitely new.. but the concept of engagement is an older one.. it was done in a different style.. like some states have a patrika read on the day prior to the wedding saying the father promises the daughter and in some others its a holy ceremony... but the concept of engagement is atleast a few centuries old no doubt.. but 11th and 12th centuries? 😲 the reason i was surprised is because if the fathers came to know that their princesses were in love or wanted to marry someone - either they would agree immediately and finish the marriage off or go on war.. the engagement period gives a courting period for the couple which i dont think would have been deemed acceptable in those days.....
the only way couples could court etc.. was if the princess' parents didnt know about it.. and the couple used to meet chup chupke... 😳