Laughter at Marriage: Subversion in Performance

Abstract

Ritual processes are distinguished by an attitude of solemnity, or are they? At the very least we expect the emotional tone displayed within ritual and ceremonial to be consistent within each phase of the process. Among all the different complexes of custom in the societies of the West, marriage is a rite of passage that commands attention and respect. The social process of marriage rites has as its consequence transformations in status for the protagonists; it alters the relationships among the kin of each party, expresses a sense of commitment both to the relationship created in the rite and the other party to it. Finally, marriage acknowledges that the jural status of the protagonists has changed as a result of participation in the rite. It is little wonder that such a significant and encompassing change in life should often be characterized by the sense of awe which Durkheim asserts lies at the emotional core of all religious rituals.