Marriage
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
Marriage in Rokugan is rarely about true love, and almost inevitably a tool of political conveniance. They are often planned among the influential families often as early as childhood, as if the child is not matched early the good political connections will be taken. Some parents hold out for the best match possible, but this can be risky. Only a few select samurai are allowed to select their spouse, and this can be found more commonly when a child with several older siblings and indulgent parents.
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[edit] Fealty
Typically one of the couple swears fealty to the clan of their spouse and takes the family name. In most cases it is the female that takes the males name, but when a female of one of the matriarcal families (such as the Utaku, Matsu or Moshi family) the male changes his name. The Doji family must also be noted, as they expect anyone who marries them to take their name regardless of gender (almost always). These arrangements, whatever they may be, are typically made a long time before the wedding.
[edit] Duties
Most commonly one of the couple will take up the duties of the clan, and the other will take up the duties of the village where they live. Which spouse does which is again up to the gender roles of the individual families, and in some cases both will continue with active lifes as bushi.
[edit] Love
Love is known and highly valued, and seen as a grand thing, especially if set aside for one's duty. Romantic tradgedies throughout history have been the subject of many plays, but generally viewed as warnings. Mostly you will find that the peasants marry for love, and some suspect that the samurai are a little envious.
[edit] Infidelity
Due to the nature of some of the arranged marriages infidelity is common. This is commonly accepted, as long as it is kept from the public eye and doesn't bring shame to one's house, spouse or family.
[edit] Major References
- Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition Page 34.
