Today, you can often hear that in the past, men were more reliable, and therefore it was easy for girls to choose a narrowed one once and for life. We don’t know what happened to men, but the fact that
women They were often unmarried, suggesting that things were not so smooth.
Therefore, we suggest making a short trip to the past to get acquainted with the conditions in which our ancestors lived. Was it easier for girls to find their destiny?
The girl could well be without a couple, and there were enough reasons for this. If the young lady had an unhealthy complexion, then she was already instilling fear in potential suitors - suddenly she was sick with something.
And if the beauty to be thin, it was also an obstacle. How can she bear and give birth to future children? Especially since a rare family stayed with one child. And to do homework, you had to have good health.
It was even more difficult to marry a woman with obvious injuries. The presence of moles, lameness or chronic sores almost wiped out the girl’s hopes for personal life. But if the family could offer a good dowry for the daughter, the chances of finding a groom increased.
It is believed that before Christianity, a girl’s chastity was not a prerequisite for marriage. But with the advent of Christianity, the approach changed. Now the girl "with experience" turned out to be an unwanted bride. And if the truth about it surfaced after the wedding, then the new husband could well kick his wife out of the house, and the marriage could be annulled.
In the Christian era, attitudes towards women who have given birth outside of marriage have changed for the worse. They and their children were treated with contempt. Getting married was almost impossible.
In ancient times, girls rushed to start a family early. Between the ages of 12 and 17, they were usually married. If at 18 the girl was still unmarried, then she was called “overstart”. The matchmakers avoided, believing that something was wrong with the lady.
Although the beauty could stay in the girls, for example, because of the obstinate nature and sharp tongue. If she has a bad temper, then the husband will contradict. Be patient with her for the rest of your life.
The desire to get married was understandable. Being unmarried at that time is a real problem. This was considered shameful and unacceptable. Such women sculpted an insulting nickname - "the century".
Without a dowry and at least any savings could not do. The daughter-in-law had to please all future relatives with gifts. This rule was strictly observed. Sometimes it was necessary to write letters to the princes so that they could issue a manual for this purpose.
It is also noteworthy that relations between representatives of different estates were not welcomed. Class and social differences were a major obstacle to marriage. A peasant or serpent was even considered a second wife, a concubine.
It is worth noting that often women and girls went to the monastery to serve God. This was often the equivalent of punishment for wrongdoing. Although some ladies themselves decided to abandon the difficult worldly life.
As you can see, in ancient times, the fate of women was difficult. The beauties of that time did not have some of the opportunities that we have today. Therefore, it is hardly necessary to blame the present time for your troubles, saying that “before it was better.”