Meaning of Marriage – Basic 3 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

WHAT IS MARRIAGE?

Marriage is when a man and a woman come together to become husband and wife.

Simple definition: Marriage is the joining together of a man and woman to live as one family.

Key points about marriage:

• It involves one man and one woman
• They promise to love and care for each other
• They become husband and wife
• They live together as a family
• They may have children together

1. WHO GETS MARRIED?

People who can marry:

• Adult man (grown-up male)
• Adult woman (grown-up female)
• People who are old enough to take care of themselves
• People who can work and provide for a family

Before marriage, they are called:

• Bachelor – unmarried man
• Spinster – unmarried woman
• Single – not married

After marriage, they become:

• Husband – married man
• Wife – married woman
• Couple – husband and wife together

1. STEPS TO MARRIAGE
2. COURTSHIP

• A man and woman get to know each other
• They spend time together
• They learn about each other’s character
• They decide if they want to marry

2. PROPOSAL

• The man asks the woman to marry him
• The woman accepts or says no
• If she says yes, they become engaged
• They are now called fiancé (man) and fiancée (woman)

3. WEDDING PREPARATION

• Both families meet and discuss
• They plan the wedding ceremony
• They prepare clothes, food, and venue
• Invitations are sent to friends and family

4. WEDDING CEREMONY

• The actual marriage takes place
• It can be in a church, mosque, or court
• Family and friends attend to celebrate
• The couple exchange vows (promises)

1. TYPES OF MARRIAGE CEREMONIES

TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

• Done according to local customs
• Involves both families
• Uses traditional clothes and practices
• Elders perform the ceremony

2. RELIGIOUS MARRIAGE

Church Wedding (Christian):

• Takes place in a church
• Pastor or priest conducts ceremony
• Couple exchange rings
• God is asked to bless the marriage

Islamic Wedding (Muslim):

• Takes place in a mosque
• Imam conducts the ceremony
• Islamic prayers are said
• Follows Islamic traditions

3. COURT MARRIAGE (Registry)

• Takes place in government office
• Marriage registrar conducts ceremony
• Legal documents are signed
• Witnesses are present

1. PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE

Why do people get married?

1. COMPANIONSHIP

• To have a life partner
• To share joys and sorrows
• To support each other
• To have someone to talk to

2. TO HAVE CHILDREN

• To start their own family
• To have sons and daughters
• To continue the family name
• To care for children together

3. LOVE AND CARE

• To show love to each other
• To take care of each other
• To be faithful to one another
• To grow old together

4. SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

• To be recognized as adults
• To be respected in society
• To have their own home
• To participate fully in community

1. QUALITIES OF A GOOD MARRIAGE

For the marriage to be successful:

• Love: Husband and wife should love each other
• Respect: They should respect each other
• Trust: They should trust each other
• Communication: They should talk to each other
• Sharing: They should share responsibilities
• Patience: They should be patient with each other

1. BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE

Good things about marriage:

• Creates a stable family
• Provides emotional support
• Helps raise children properly
• Brings two families together
• Gives security and protection
• Continues family traditions

CLASS EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks:

• Marriage is when a _______ and _______ come together to become husband and wife
• Before marriage, an unmarried man is called a _______
• Before marriage, an unmarried woman is called a _______
• After marriage, the man becomes a _______ and woman becomes a _______

2. True or False:

• Marriage involves two people of the same gender: _____
• A husband and wife live together as a family: _____
• People can marry when they are still children: _____
• Marriage helps create a stable family: _____

3. List the 4 steps to marriage:
4. Name 3 types of marriage ceremonies:
5. Choose the correct answer: What is courtship? a) The wedding ceremony b) Getting to know each other before marriage c) Living together after marriage

Where does a church wedding take place? a) Court b) Church c) Home

Who conducts an Islamic wedding? a) Pastor b) Imam c) Judge

6. Match the terms:

• Bachelor → Unmarried man
• Spinster → _______
• Fiancé → _______
• Couple → _______

7. List 4 purposes of marriage:
8. Name 3 qualities needed for a good marriage:
9. Answer these questions:

• What do we call a man and woman who are engaged? _______
• What happens during a wedding ceremony? _______
• Why is marriage important in society? _______

10. Complete these sentences:

• Marriage brings _______ families together
• Husband and wife should _______ and respect each other
• Children benefit when their parents have a _______ marriage
• Marriage provides _______ and protection for family members

11. Circle the benefits of marriage: Creates stable family, Causes problems, Provides support, Brings families together, Creates confusion, Helps raise children
12. Think and write: What are two things you have learned about marriage that you didn’t know before?