When
most Americans think of dating, they think of dinner
and a movie. However, dating has changed drastically
over the course of history and varies from country
to country as well.
In the
early ages, there was no dating or courtship. Men
actually captured their wives! They would raid
villages and take the women they wanted for their
own. A lot of our dating traditions were born in the
medieval times from the concept of chivalry. This is
where we got out notion that the male should pay for
dinner and that a male should hold the door open for
a lady. Women were actually given the right to
propose marriage in 1228!
Between
1830 and 1900, romantic love was considered
important to relationships. The rules for dating
were strict and steadfast. Men and women had cards
with their names imprinted on them which were left
for each other in an elaborate courtship ritual. It
was commonplace for chaperones to accompany couples
on dates.
Today
things have changed, but still there are special
customs depending on where you live.
In
Australia, girls often ask boys out on dates and pay
for everything.
In
European countries, teenagers often go out on group
dates.
Dating
is actually forbidden in Iran. Boys and girls are
kept separate until they are ready to be married and
then their parents do the introductions.
Dating
is also very rare in Afghanistan, as most marriages
are arranged.
Japanese and Korean individuals usually do not begin
dating until they are in college.
In
Brazil, group dates are not common at all. People
tend to date much longer before they get married.
In
China, dating usually does not begin until an
individual is in their twenties. Chinese singles
usually only date one or two people before they get
married. There are also still instances of arranged
marriages.
In most
Asian countries it is customary for young people to
remain at home until they are married and often a
newlywed couple will live with one set of parents
for awhile after they are married.
In
Kiev, women do not like to shake hands. They think
that it is not feminine. A woman will hold onto a
man's arm when they are out on a date instead of
holding his hand.
Relationships and marriage are important in all
cultures, but the actual act of dating varies
greatly depending on where you live.
About the Author
Ron
Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration
from the University of Southern California. He
graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is
currently the Chief Executive Officer of PlanJam -
where you can find
romantic date ideas.
