"Can't buy me love, everybody tells me so". Well that's what the Beatles claim, but in the past paying for love was mandatory. "The bride price", "the dower" and "the dowry" were all methods of monetary compensation for the betrothed, and like all business transactions haggling was allowed. You could make deductions for facial warts, or moon like craters. More serious defects like no teeth, bad eyesight, and missing digits meant you were in a position to "name your own price". That kind of sounds like a William Shattner proposal, doesn't it? Unfortunately you were not allowed a full inspection of the merchandise, and checking the plumbing was off limits till after the marriage. In modern society we still use compensation although in a different manner. Courting requires "mucho dinero" to impress a fine young lady, and proves to be a valuable asset in a future spouse. Eventually an expensive engagement ring will be offered, and if accepted the nuptials take place. The difference now is you must also compensate the spouse to get rid of them. Usually when you return something you get your money back, or at least part of it. Not anymore. Whether you're getting married or divorced it is still buy, buy, love.
No comments:
Post a Comment