Though marriage is practiced in almost all countries of the world,the customs¹ are quite different from one culture to another.It is interesting for me to compare the customs of marriage in the United² 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 finding³ 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 known⁴ several friends who got married without even telling their parent or other family members.

At the actual wedding ceremony,the father of the bride symbolically⁵ gives his daughter to the groom⁶. It`s only a custom,I think,because the bride and groom already know each other quite well.