Ocarran Weddings

Ocarrans have a variety of wedding traditions and customs which are still practiced on the planet either in the traditional form or in a more modernized form. 

Choosing a Spouse

Courtship on Ocarro is quite simple, with the couple who wants to marry, spending quality time together getting to know each other and their life goals to see if they would be a good match. 

Historically, parents would have influence over who their child would marry, and while they still have sway -especially in more traditional families- it is much less than it once was. For example, the parents used to be able to veto or pressure a proposed match, but now they really only have emotional sway as a parent. 

Engagement

When one wished to get engaged, they would arrange for a dinner with themself, their intended fiance, and the parents of the couple. At the dinner, the topic of marriage would be brought up, and depending on whether or not the parents and the significant other approve will respond and continue talking about marriage. If everyone involved agrees and continues the wedding talk, the topic of the when, where, and what will be brought up. 

This is a custom that is still common on Ocarro, especially in traditional and rural areas. Modernly there is often some form of celebration other than the family dinner where marriage is proposed, often including photos, gifts, etc.

Engagement is often discussed beforehand by the couple, with both of them being involved in planning the dinner. Oftentimes parents will take cues from their child on whether or not the engagement and wedding should be approved, but sometimes parents will approve or disapprove of the engagement without the child’s feelings in mind however this is heavily frowned upon.

Marriage Ceremony

The start of the ceremony begins with the escorting of the bride from her family home to the home of her new husband. In same sex couples, it will typically be the partner moving out of their family home being escorted to the home of their new spouse. These parades are very colorful and musical, with the couple often being carried on a sedan chair or rickshaw (traditional), giant running lizard (semi-traditional), or a modern vehicle (modern).

The ceremony proper, is typically held at the home of the man, or whichever home is going to be the marital residence, after the arrival of the parade. The ceremony is overseen by the families of the couple, as well as any other guests that are invited. Oftentimes spiritual leaders and local leaders and elders will also be present to bless and approve of the marriage. 

The couple as well as the attendees of the ceremony will be dressed in their best formal clothing, with the couple and their parents often wearing new formalwear bought for the occasion.

After the ceremony a great party and reception is held at the house, with lots of feasting, dancing, and music taking place. Lots of gifts are given to the married couple, with he elderly and older married couples being the ones to give most of the gifts as well as give the couple marriage advice.