Country people believe marriage to be a “sacred institution.” In light of the importance of marriage few country people pass up the opportunity to “enter into Holy Matrimony.” Thus many country people marry a “high school sweetheart” before the age of 21. Women who do not marry a high school sweetheart must find a partner prior to the age of thirty or they run the risk of being labeled an “old maid.” Men who do not marry by thirty are presumed to be homosexuals and fellow country people will confess that they have “always thought there’s something funny about that boy.”
A significant number of country marriages are commenced at a wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony takes place on a Sunday afternoon and is very similar to a city ceremony with the added element of a young women singing Bette Midler’s “The Rose” as the grandmothers are seated. After the wedding ceremony all the invited guests, and all those who read the announcement in the weekly “Shopper,” congregate in the church basement for a wedding reception highlighted by a large platter of “cold meat sandwiches.” Like graduations, “7-Up & Sherbert” punch is served at the wedding reception in addition to butter mints and a wedding cake.
Country weddings, and the marriages they celebrate, are truly glorious occasions enjoyed by country people, young and old. Weddings are so well liked that a disproportionate number of country people choose to marry for a second, or even third, time.
