National Marriage Week is from February 7 to February 14, and it’s a time to celebrate the union that has inspired thousands of books, movie plots, industries and not to mention, numerous real-life happily ever afters. A marriage is a union between two people, or spouses. It is a cultural universal, though its definition varies across different cultures and religions. It is an institute that exists to sanction interpersonal relationships between two individuals. A wedding is a ceremony by which two people are united in marriage.
History of National Marriage Week
Weddings are fun! They’re a celebration of two individuals promising to spend the rest of their lives together. The ceremony is usually followed by a reception with a lovely buffet and a cake, where you are entertained by some embarrassing dance moves from the dads and fun banter from the relatives. But a marriage is more than just a wedding.
A wedding is the beginning of a marriage, where two individuals take vows and proclaim their love for each other to the rest of the world. These vows that married couples make to each other represent the love one experiences on a day-to-day basis.
National Marriage Week was launched in 2010, as part of an international event aiming to bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses for strengthening marriage in communities and influencing the culture. This week also plays host to World Marriage Day, which is celebrated every second Sunday of February.
World Marriage Day began in 1983. The goal of World Marriage Day is to highlight the beauty of marriage and to honor all husbands and wives for their faithfulness and sacrifices. The intention of this day is to help couples make good marriages even better.
The institution of marriage has been part of human traditions for many years and has been influenced by all cultures and religions across the planet. This week coincides with one of the most romantic days of the year…Valentine’s Day, which means it’s the perfect time for beautifully romantic gestures, flowers, chocolates, and to show appreciation for your loving partner.
National Marriage Week timeline
The first recorded evidence of marriage ceremonies shows they take place in ancient Mesopotamia.
This allows for non-religious civil marriages to be held in register offices across England and Wales.
The California Supreme Court becomes the first state high court to declare the state's ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down all state bans on same-sex marriage, legalizing it in all fifty states.
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See MoreNational Marriage Week Activities
Celebrate with family and friends
Marriage is not just a union of two people, but rather a union of two families and two worlds. Include your family and friends and make your celebrations even grander. National Marriage Week lasts for seven days, which means you have enough time to spend with both your spouse and your family.
Plan activities together
This week is about connecting with your partner while you spend time with them. Consider learning something new with your partner. Take a class together and get out of your comfort zone.
Volunteer with your partner
You can even volunteer your time for a cause or a charity that matters to both of you. Take some time out. Perhaps you could join your partner for a volunteer activity that interests them and take this opportunity to learn more about them.
5 Fun Facts About Marriage
‘Bride’ is the synonym for ‘cook’
The word ‘bride’ comes from an old English word ‘bru’, which means to cook.
Happy marriages lead to productivity at work
American businesses lose approximately $6 billion in revenue because of decreased worker productivity linked to marriage hardships.
Lowest marriage rate
Washington D.C. has the lowest marriage rate in the country.
Bridesmaids wore wedding gowns
Traditionally, bridesmaids would dress in bride-like gowns to confuse rival suitors, evil spirits, and robbers.
The longest marriage
The longest-ever recorded marriage lasted for more than 90 years.
Why We Love National Marriage Week
It honors the married couples
This week draws our attention to the beauty of marriage. National Marriage Week was started to honor husbands and wives for their never-ending sacrifices and faithfulness that hold these unions together.
It celebrates marriage
Marriage is the most beautiful form of a relationship. It is a chance to spend your life with someone you love and someone who makes you happy. Marriage is a commitment for life that doesn’t come without sacrifices. It is for these reasons that the idea of marriage deserves a whole week to be celebrated as well as honored.
Marriage has its benefits
Marriage doesn’t just contribute to your happiness but is also very beneficial to your health and overall well-being. Married people live longer and have a lower chance of becoming depressed. Marriage is also good for your heart as married people have fewer strokes and heart attacks.
National Marriage Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 7 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 7 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 7 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 7 | Wednesday |
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