In the early
ages, there was no dating or courtship. Men actually captured
their wives! They would raid villages and take the women they
wanted for their own. A lot of our dating traditions were born in
the medieval times from the concept of chivalry. This is where we
got out notion that the male should pay for dinner and that a
male should hold the door open for a lady. Women were actually
given the right to propose marriage in 1228!
Between 1830 and 1900, romantic love was considered important to
relationships. The rules for dating were strict and steadfast.
Men and women had cards with their names imprinted on them which
were left for each other in an elaborate courtship ritual. It was
commonplace for chaperones to accompany couples on dates.
Today things have changed, but still there are special customs
depending on where you live.
In Australia, girls often ask boys out on dates and pay for
everything.
In European countries, teenagers often go out on group dates.
Dating is actually forbidden in Iran. Boys and girls are kept
separate until they are ready to be married and then their
parents do the introductions.
Dating is also very rare in Afghanistan, as most marriages are
arranged.
Japanese and Korean individuals usually do not begin dating until
they are in college.
In Brazil, group dates are not common at all. People tend to date
much longer before they get married.
In China, dating usually does not begin until an individual is in
their twenties. Chinese singles usually only date one or two
people before they get married. There are also still instances of
arranged marriages.
In most Asian countries it is customary for young people to
remain at home until they are married and often a newlywed couple
will live with one set of parents for awhile after they are
married.
In Kiev, women do not like to shake hands. They think that it is
not feminine. A woman will hold onto a man's arm when they are
out on a date instead of holding his hand.
Relationships and marriage are important in all cultures, but the
actual act of dating varies greatly depending on where you live.
Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the
University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude
in May 2006. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of
PlanJam - where you can find
unique date ideas and
romantic date ideas.