Visual markers of marital status

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Visual markers of marital status may include clothing, hairstyle, accessories, jewelry, tattoos, and other bodily adornments. The term comes from Sociology, where Visual Markers is taken to mean all perceivable signs or indicators, not just those visible to the eye. In Anthropology the term Cultural artefact has a similar meaning particular to symbolic objects; Wedding rings for example, are cultural artefacts. Visible Markers of Marital Status that are not "visible", such as expectations of behavior, are possible as well. Visible Markers might also include culturally exclusive privileges, roles, and responsibilities. For example, in the past, Morris Dancing was historically performed by married men. Marital status markers are often gender-specific. The Markers of Marital Status should be traditions which are perceivably unique, but this too isn't a necessity. For example, the bindi of South Asian origin is traditionally a symbol of married women; there is another symbol, the tilaka, which is gender neutral, and has less direct association with marital status. As culture evolves and changes, it is not unheard even for bindis to be utilized by women of all ages and marital status.

Contents

Visual markers of marital status are important to distinguish from other traditional symbols found at weddings, like the aforementioned tilaka, because they indicate information of cultural significance about the bearer; information that is often implicitly understood by the community at large. In many cultures, married people enjoy special privileges or are addressed differently by members of the community. Therefore, many symbols of martial status impart culturally specific social status.

Human mating strategies can be socially risky for the participants. The actor and the subject are both at risk of embarrassment or cultural judgements. For the actor, rejection can be emotionally painful. For married individuals dealing with extramarital advances, there is the potential harm to a marriage itself, typically from a loss of trust capital within the family, or from the wider community. This applies to both the subjects of unwanted attention in the passive role, and to would-be adulterers in the active or passive roles. By communicating marital status visibly, married individuals can prevent awkward, unwanted advances; or failing that, demonstrate evidence of unwillingness post hoc. Where matchmaking is culturally prevalent, the social status of a matchmaker is also tied into the equation, and they too depend on understanding the cultural forms of marital status communication.

Visual markers of marital status also have a role in social bonding. They can also increase the bearer's sense of belongingness and cultural inclusion. Visible markers of Marital Status are often symbolic of cooperation and reciprocity. Ultimately, these symbols have an impact on a person's place in society in many different ways.

Husband

Male marital status markers are usually less elaborate than female marital status markers. In many cultures, they may not exist.

Jewelry

In many Western nations, some husbands wear a wedding ring on the third or fourth finger of the left hand. In parts of Europe, especially in German-speaking regions, as well as in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. In the Netherlands, Catholics wear their wedding rings on the left hand, while most other people wear them on the right. Some spouses choose to wear their wedding ring on the left hand in Turkey.

In China, Western influence has resulted in some husbands donning wedding rings. [1]

In modern times, the material of wedding rings is not strictly prescribed; they may be forged of gold, rose gold, white gold, argentium silver, palladium, platinum, titanium, or tungsten carbide.

Manual laborers sometimes wear rings of inexpensive or more durable materials like tungsten while working or bear an ink tattoo to avoid personal injury or damaging a ring of precious metal. Additionally, the use of silicone wedding bands has become more common among men (and women) while in a gym or other environment with potential hazards (firefighter, etc.); these bands have enough flexibility to snap off if caught and are not typically electrically conductive. [2]

Beard

Among the Amish, and Hutterite communities of Canada and the United States, only married men are permitted to grow and maintain a beard. Unmarried men were required to shave. [3] [4]

Sacred thread

In contemporary Hinduism, after the Upanayana ceremony, Brahmin men wear a sacred thread (Yagnopavitam) over their left shoulder and under right arm, one that usually has 3 strands and 1 knot, when they start their traditional education. When men get married, they wear one more sacred thread, 6 strands and 2 knots, the second thread signifies his marriage to his wife. In traditional attire, the sacred thread is usually visible, but in the modern era, it is hidden within the shirt.

Wife

Jewelry

Headwear

In Orthodox Judaism, married women cover their hair at all times outside of their home. The kind of hair covering may be determined by local custom or personal preference. Headscarves, snoods, hats, berets, or – sometimes – wigs are used. Turkmen wives wear a special hat similar to a circlet that is denominated a "Alyndaňy".

Hairstyle

Cosmetics

Clothes

References

  1. F_100620. "Chinese men find wedding rings cumbersome?" . Retrieved 26 March 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. Platt, Emily. "What are Silicon Wedding Rings?". Martha Stewart Weddings. Meredith Corp. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  3. Kraybill, Donald (2001). The Riddle of Amish Culture. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 68. ISBN   0-8018-6772-X.
  4. Hostetler, John (1997). Hutterite Society. The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 174. ISBN   0-8018-5639-6.
  5. 1 2 3 "Sealed with ring at Chinese weddings". Archived from the original on July 1, 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  6. "珠宝钻石广告设计图__PSD分层素材_PSD分层素材_设计图库_昵图网nipic.com" (in Japanese).
  7. "珠宝钻石广告源文件__海报设计_广告设计_源文件图库_昵图网nipic.com" (in Japanese). Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  8. "Diamonds, De Beers, CSO" . Retrieved 26 March 2016.