A dowry
was a sum of money or property brought by a woman into her marriage. Fathers
gave their daughters substantial dowries to attract decent husbands because
property was worth more than a bride's beauty to a potential suitor. Dowries
were considered the brides possession and helped protect her and her future
children incase of misfortune. Dowries gave women leverage in the marriage and
husbands were more motivated to please a wife with a large dowery than a poor
wife. The most recent form of a dowry is the bride's family paying for the
entire wedding, but this is slowing changing.
By Nicole Mazzeo
Wrapwithus wedding favors
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