Marriage in Iran and America

Though marriage is practiced in almost all countries of the world,the customs are quite different from one culture to another.It is interesting for me to compare the customs of marriage in the United States with those in my country.

I`ve lived in the U.S.for four years now,but I`m still not comfortable with the customs here.In fact,what seems strange to me is that couring or dating is not always for the purpose of finding a husband to wife.Some people seem to do it as a hobby.

Here in the United States,I have noticed that courting is begun by the young couple themselves,and they seem to have a lot of freedom to decide and do what they want.Both young men and women date a number of different people.They do it without the knowledge or help of their parents.In fact,I have known several friends who got married without even telling their parent or other family members.

At the actual wedding ceremony,the father of the bride symbolically gives his daughter to the groom. It`s only a custom,I think,because the bride and groom already know each other quite well.