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Exploring Dating, Relationships & Marriage in a Changing World

Unusual dating rituals have a long tradition in many countries around the world. We’ve collected our Top 10 weird but wonderful customs that suitors engage in during the courtship process. Which one would you choose to conquer the heart of your beloved? Let us know in the comments below.

10 Unusual Dating Rituals from Around the World

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Sometimes life is a tragic romance. Particularly if you’re Elmi Bodheri, one of Somalia’s most celebrated modern poets and allegedly the first Somali man to die of a broken heart.

Bodheri was a poor baker; whose poems written in the 1930-1940s have made him a literary legend, household name and lovers’ hero. It all began when he worked for his uncle in Berbera, making bread and selling it in what was then British Somaliland. One fine day he saw and was instantly smitten with a girl named Hodhan who came in for bread rolls or something like that. So he began reciting impromptu poetry to her over the counter- suddenly, and with neither inkling nor warning. That brief but oh-so-meaningful encounter caused Bodheri to venture forth in verse from then onwards although the pair’s eyes never again met, let alone their hearts. [click to continue…]

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Why do many young Indian men face challenges in meeting a future wife in a country where the population reportedly exceeds a billion? Because of the trend in refusing traditional marriages. But there is an answer…

History in the (Match) Making…

India is unique with its customs and traditions and embraces a variety of cultures and a blend of religions that result in the lack of intermingling of classes in the Indian society. However, after India gained its independence, this view began transforming into a more united Indian identity. More mutual tolerance is expected among religious differences in modern India. Mahatma Gandhi has greatly contributed to the elimination of social differences between the classes in Indian society. Many Hindus, who make up the majority in India, have inter-married with Sikhs or other minorities such as Christians. As a result, religious differences are being put aside in favor of marriages based on love or other interests.

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Pakistan is a an Islamic country located in South Asia and the Greater Middle East and is a dazzling cultural haven. Within its borders, you’ll find a fusion of Muslim and Hindu culture in which the exotic flavors and fervor of both cultures intertwine and no more so than when it’s time to say “I do”.

Engaging Traditions

Once a Pakistani couple (and their families) have decided to marry, an intimate engagement ceremony known as mangni takes place in the presence of a few important members of the would-b-bride & grooms’ families. Prayer and blessings are recited for the couple and the wedding date is set. Weddings forming part of Pakistani marriages last 4 days and mangni is the last time a prospective groom gets to see his bride-to be’s face before the official wedding ceremony on day 3.

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Two thirds of Bengalis are Muslims, and a further third are Hindus, with the majority religion being one or the other, depending where in the region you are.

One area in which the two religions overlap is in marriage. Almost all Bengali marriages are arranged, be they Muslim or Hindu and family plays a huge role in both cultures, especially when it comes to matchmaking.

This golden rule aside, marriage rules and norms between the two cultures are markedly different. Here are a few examples of the variations in Bengali Muslim and Bengali Hindu marriage laws and customs… [click to continue…]

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What Exactly is The UAE Marriage Fund?

In 1992, UAE leader and founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, launched the UAE Marriage Fund.

The fund was set up following the huge influx of expats to the Emirates, which has transformed the UAE into a global meeting point for over 150 nationalities. In light of this, the initiative aims to preserve the population, and at the same time, to promote local heritage.

Al Nahyan developed marriage grants and group wedding sponsorship for UAE nationals as part of his vision to help stop the indigenous population from fizzling out. [click to continue…]

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Everyone knows how important mother in-laws are in Indian marriages. But get this… Malaysia’s The Star Newspaper has claimed that marital interference by in-laws is such a big deal in the Indian community, that it provokes 30% of all Malaysian Indian divorces.

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Bahrain is a collection of tiny islands, like a necklace of precious gems strung between Qatar and Saudi Arabia that has existed almost since the dawn of time. Famed for being the financial centre of the Middle East and a trading post for Gulf Arabs and visitors from every far-flung corner of the globe, Bahrain is also one of the most liberal Arab countries. This fascinating and welcoming country fuses thriving modernity with rich and evocative history and is considered both meeting point and gateway to the Arabian Peninsula.

The native population is predominantly Muslim, made up of around 70% Shi’a and 30% Sunni who cohabit harmoniously with a small but significant spectrum of other faiths. Arabic is the official language and English is spoken widely.

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Let Music Be the Food of Love: Somali Dating

Almost all Somalis are Sunni Muslims and the religion is deeply rooted in society and behaviour. Pork, gambling, alcohol and receiving or paying any type of interest is forbidden, Somali women wear brightly coloured hijabs and only single sex couples shake hands.

Most Somalis have a strong sense of family and family ties and this acts as a safety net during difficult times. During Eid al Fitr (which marks the end of Ramadan), Somali families often get dressed up to go visit each other and wherever possible, donate to the poor.

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Single Life in Modern, Multicultural Turkey…

Turkey has well and truly earned its title as a Transcontinental Eurasian Nation. Bordered by 8 countries and uniting Asia, The Middle East and Europe, this land, which was once at the helm of the famous and feared Ottoman Empire, has long provided rich soil for many diverse cultures.

Turkey has a Muslim heart and soul. More than 99% percent of the population is Muslim, with the majority being Sunni, and just less than a quarter being Shia Alawi. Alawite Muslims also live in Adana, Hatay and Mersin.

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