A Comparison of the Extensibility of Marriage in Ancient Greek and Chinese Taoist Traditions

Abstract

In ancient societies, people experienced different wedding rituals under Chinese Taoist culture and in ancient Greece. Women of various social backgrounds faced distinctive treatment. Comparing two kinds of cultural settings, this paper will analyze how these distinct married conventions manifest the past broader societal perspectives and morality towards power dynamics, involving rules, status, and rituals for couples. In addition, this research purposely focuses on their societal structures and gender roles, promoting gender equality and diminishing patriarchal for future development. In ancient Greek society, particularly in Athens and Sparta, this paper reveals that marriage was an important process that reflected family ties and societal expectations, leading to limited rights for women. In contrast, Chinese Taoism approached marriage more practically, this culture emphasized the balance of yin and yang and announced a more egalitarian perspective with some limitations. Utilizing a comparative analysis method, the study gathers insights into the marriage customs of both civilizations. This investigation illuminates the evolution of marital norms and encourages contemporary discussions about relationships and gender roles.