Christian kings commonly endowed their barons with the phrase, "Take that woman and her fief." The early centuries of the Christian conquest of Europe were largely occupied with acquisition lands from the pagan women.
a man shall "leave his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife" (Genesis 2:24).
Naomi told her daughters-in-law to "return each to her mother's house" (Ruth 1:8) because houses were owned by mothers, not fathers.
A marriage agreement permitting removal of a woman from her maternal home was a violation of ancient laws. Therefore Abraham, seeking a bride for his son, had to give many gifts to the bride, to her mother, and to her brother (not to her father!) as compensation for taking her away from her home (Genesis 24:53).
Retention of property in the hands of a patrilineal clan was the purpose of the so-called Levirate marriage commanded by the patriarchal God (Deuteronomy 25:5). If a man died, his brother must marry the widow rather than allow her to take her property and depart from the family.
2006-08-04
01:35:11
·
12 answers
·
asked by
Anonymous
in
Religion & Spirituality