What Is Levirate:- Levirate and Sororate marriages are two types of traditional marriage practices that have been around for centuries.
These practices were common in some cultures and societies and were aimed at ensuring the continuity of a family or clan. In this article, we will discuss what levirate and sororate marriage mean, their differences, and their significance in different cultures.
Table: Levirate vs. Sororate Marriage
| Levirate Marriage | Sororate Marriage |
|---|---|
| Brother-in-law marries widow | Husband marries wife’s sister |
| Ensures family line continuity | Ensures family line continuity |
| Practiced in various cultures | Practiced in various cultures |
| Widow is provided for | Widow is provided for |
What Is Levirate?
Levirate is a traditional marriage practice where a man marries the widow of his deceased brother. The word “levirate” comes from the Latin word “levir,” which means “husband’s brother.”
Levirate marriage was practiced in various cultures and religions, including ancient Judaism, where it was mandated by the law. The practice aimed at ensuring that the deceased man’s name and lineage were not lost, and his widow was taken care of.
Levirate Marriage
Levirate marriage is a type of marriage where the brother of a deceased man is obligated to marry his brother’s widow. Levirate marriage is prevalent in some societies where family lineage and continuity are highly valued.
In some cultures, such as ancient Judaism, levirate marriage was mandatory. In others, it was optional but encouraged. Levirate marriage is often seen as a way to provide for the widow and to keep the family line going.
Levirate Meaning in Hindi
In Hindi, Levirate is known as “देवर विधवा विवाह” (Devar Vidhwa Vivah), where “देवर” (Devar) means brother-in-law, and “विधवा” (Vidhwa) means a widow. Thus, the term refers to a marriage where a brother-in-law marries his brother’s widow.
Sororate Marriage
Sororate marriage is a traditional marriage practice where a man marries his wife’s sister if his wife dies or is infertile. The word “sororate” comes from the Latin word “soror,” which means “sister.” Sororate marriage is common in some cultures and societies, where it is seen as a way to ensure the continuity of the family line and to provide for the widow and her children.
The main difference between levirate and sororate marriages is that the former involves a man marrying his brother’s widow, while the latter involves a man marrying his wife’s sister.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: In which cultures are levirate marriages still practiced?
A: Levirate marriages are still practiced in some traditional societies in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Q: What is the significance of levirate marriages?
A: Levirate marriages were practiced in some cultures to ensure the continuity of the family line and to provide for the widow and her children.
Q: Is levirate marriage mandatory in any culture or religion today?
A: No, levirate marriage is not mandatory in any culture or religion today.
Q: What is the significance of sororate marriages?
A: Sororate marriages were practiced in some cultures to ensure the continuity of the family line and to provide for the widow and her children.
Q: Is sororate marriage still practiced today?
A: Sororate marriage is still practiced in some traditional societies in Africa, Asia, and South America.
