Marriage

Marriage on Unda varied greatly between islands -- different islands had very different traditions, and some did not have marriage at all.

IU Weddings
After the formation of the Island Union, many traditions became shared across the member islands. Although many couples still chose to have weddings based on the traditions of a specific island, the main parts of the ceremony were fairly consistent.

In most IU weddings, the community would gather together for a ceremony, during which the presiding official would give a short speech about the people to be married. Then people from the community -- typically those who knew one of the spouses-to-be well -- would move forward and pour a cup of water into a large bowl at the center of the area. This was meant to symbolize giving their energies and good wishes to the betrothed. Historically this water was brought to the ceremony by the individual participants, but most modern weddings simply provide a container from which water may be drawn.

Once everyone who wishes to has done this, the people getting married each fill their own cup from the bowl, and drink the water -- at this point, they are considered married. Afterwards, the ceremony breaks, though there is often a celebration immediately following. At this reception, those who knew one of the newlyweds will often give speeches.