Bliss or Miss

            If the manner of marriage is considered a choice, then democratic capitalist marriage arrived in England on 1 July 1837. After such date, marriage could be done a couple of ways: a religious rites ceremony in specially registered buildings, or with no religious ceremony whatsoever in the local registry office. The manner of marriage had progressed generationally allowing the rites to have a ceremony, religious or otherwise. The solemnization of marriage in the formal/legal aspect is excellent. The procedures are strongly supported in the way of tradition. Regardless of the formalities of documentation, tradition still reigned over the marriage. Marriage in the Victorian Era was known as a social and family happening.  

            The economic position of women and men in a community affected the manner of marriage. Civil marriage at the local registry office was more common for men and women who were of the poor and working class of the same crust in the lowest class, versus upper class who often married others who were of their stature and did so in a church. Victorian marriage is a societal tradition that cripples the element of love and promotes the level of class and one’s place in society. In some cases, it was a social ladder. For others, it determined how their life would play out. A simple transaction, if you will. One may find someone he/she grows to love or be miserable the rest of his/her days. For bliss is not inevitable in the sanctity of marriage; it becomes more a game of hit or miss. The outcome was determined with time, depending on the various societal factors that play into the arrangement of marriage.