What Are Dating Rituals Based on Cultures?
- Italians have a reputation for being lovers.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Italy is a beautiful country that has a culture embedded in thousands of years of tradition and ritual. Love and romance are as much a part of the culture as the ties to the Catholic Church. How you dress can determine who you attract as a mate or who you may marry. Women dress well to draw the attention of potential suitors, and men dress well to show they can provide for the women they are after. Both men and women's dating rituals are the same in the respect that each gender dates those deemed a suitable partner, but both men and women sometimes do have flippant affairs with others who are attractive but do not meet their economic goals. - German men may bring flowers to the mother of his date as a courtesy.Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Germany is known for its beautiful mountains and alpine living. Dating in Germany is a ritual that has certain guidelines. Most Germans do not marry until their mid to late 20s. This leaves plenty of time for dating and finding the right mate. A German girl would never ask a man out or pick up the check for dinner. That is a man's responsibility. - A Thai woman's reputation is her ticket to a good marriage.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Thailand is deeply ingrained in its culture and dating rituals. A Thai woman's reputation is her badge of honor. A Thai woman usually won't have sex when dating and may at least wait until the marriage date is approaching. A Thai man must measure the woman's reputation to match the dowry that he must present to the woman's family when he asks for her hand in marriage. During the dating ritual, a Thai woman may hold the hand of her boyfriend, but touching other parts of the body is considered taboo. The woman's head is considered sacred and cannot be touched by a man unless she gives him permission. - In Mexico, girls are often expected to see their boyfriends at home under the young women's parents and other family members' eyes.Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
Dating rituals in Mexico are held in place by the cultural belief that family comes first. The male plays the dominant role in both dating and as head of a family. A young suitor must ask permission to date from the woman's father and sometimes even the grandfather. The suitor takes on the role of a man during dating by asking for the date and paying for dinner. Though American influences and attitudes have influenced dating in Mexico's urban areas, the rural areas of the country still follow custom. Public affection is not frowned upon in Mexico, though sexual situations won't happen until a long-term commitment is decided upon.
