Germanic Marriage

According to Tacitus, the ancient Germans only married a single man or woman. The husband paid the dowry to the wife's family, which they had to approve. These gifts would be oxen, horses with reins, shields, spears, and swords. The wife would then provide some weapons as a gift from her family to her husband. The exchange of weapons was meant to signify that, even in marriage, they are never free from the threat of war, and the husband should make sure he is prepared for it at all times, while the wife is to share her husband's toils, dangers, sufferings, and adventures as his constant companion. These weapons given by her husband are expected to be given to her sons to pay as dowries for their future brides. Once the exchange of arms is completed, a holy ceremony involving the invocation of marriage deities is performed.Tacitus, P. C., (98). Germania. Ch.18
== References ==
Category:Germania
Category:Marriage Rituals