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Regional customs and habits
Customs of Kiribati
Marriage and Family
Some marriages are still arranged, but most people now choose their spouses. To make his intentions known, a young man sends a relative (usually an uncle) to tell the young woman’s family he wants to propose. This gives her family time to prepare before his parents actually come with their request. A long engagement is preferred by the bride’s family so they can weave sleeping mats for their new son-in-law and his family. The groom’s family gives rolls of cloth to the bride’s family in exchange for these mats.
Customs of Laos
Marriage and Family
Young people are relatively free to choose marriage partners. Marriage is traditionally established by a ceremony held at the bride’s home. For the first few years of married life, a couple may live with the wife’s family and then establish their own home. However, the youngest daughter and her family tend to remain with her parents to care for them.
Customs of Lesotho
Marriage and Family
Customs of Lebanon
Marriage and Family
Because financial independence is customarily a prerequisite for marriage, men often wait to marry until their late 20s or early 30s. Women usually marry in their early 20s. Christians in
Customs of Liechtenstein
Marriage and Family
People usually marry in their late 20s; it is considered important to first complete one’s education and enjoy some financial security and independence. Some couples live together before or instead of marriage. Legal marriages are performed at the national Registry Office. To have a church wedding is optional, but common, and usually takes place the day after the civil ceremony. Some old wedding customs include decorating the door frames of the couple’s home with garlands or organizing a mock kidnapping of the bride.