Contract Signing of Earthren Engagement

An old tradition part of Earth Elemental engagements and weddings, the formal contract signing has changed meanings and purposes significantly over many decades. Originally these contracts signings were rather true to their name, a financial transaction between families. Now, these contracts and the gathering around their signing is a celebration of joy, bringing two families together willingly. They have come to symbolize the agreement between the two families of an engaged couple that they will always come together despite any differences to celebration the love of two people.

Historical Meaning

The contract signing used to be done to complete the 'purchase' of one partner to the other family. While some contracts were for life, others were exclusively for the purposes of reproduction. Within the The Old Tierrian Empire, men were largely considered property to be bartered and sold by their families for the purpose of either reproduction or labour. Many of these contract signings were arranged by the families, usually the parents or grandparents, rather than using the input of those that would be held to the term outlaid in said contracts. Depending on the family, some of these contracts were signed well before those involved would reach adulthood, with a clause that they would only take effect at that time. During the signings, the men were inspected, and the prices of the dowry were negotiated by the leaders of either family. The signings were usually degrading for both parties, though men were largely treated worse, as the inspections reduced them to an item with flaws that needed to be negotiated down for, rather than a person being married to another.

It wasn't rare to have a social contract signed for the purposes of companionship and raising children, while also having several short contracts for the purposes of reproduction with the 'best' partners. The terms of these contracts were legally binding, often outlining the responsibilities of both parties, which could not be ignored. If a party member believed the obligations went too far, they would have to challenge each obligation individually in court, and while some concessions may have been made, some could be removed while others were held.

Modern Meaning

With the end of the Old Tierrian Empire and the massive shifts towards equality in Tierra over the years, the contract signing for an engagement has drastically changed meaning. Now a fun event where the most that is negotiated is which last name will be taken for same-gendered marriages, The parties involved are promised, bound by love, and willing participants who are the ones who handle the actual proposal. Overall, the event is a happy and amusing way to bring two families together to mingle and celebrate the upcoming marriage of their children. Though tensions do occasionally rise regarding who's last name is chosen, especially if a couple starts to push back on the idea that the man must always take the woman's last name, perhaps in the most Earth Elemental way possible tings are debated with a lawyer in the room and finally signing a legal contract outlying the agreed upon terms.