How Do You Spell BANS OF MATRIMONY?

Pronunciation: [bˈanz ɒv mˈatɹɪmənɪ] (IPA)

The phrase "Bans of Matrimony" refers to the public announcement of a couple's intention to marry. The first word, "Bans," is pronounced /bænz/ with a short "a" sound and the "s" at the end is pronounced as a "z." The second word, "Matrimony," is pronounced /ˈmætrɪmoʊni/ with the emphasis on the second syllable and the "i" in the last syllable pronounced as a long "e" sound. This traditional terminology can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when such announcements were made in the church.

Meaning and Definition
Basic Check Advanced Check

BANS OF MATRIMONY Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "bans of matrimony" refers to a traditional practice in which the forthcoming marriage between two individuals is publicly announced. It involves the proclamation of the couple's intention to marry, typically in a religious setting, such as a church, through the reading of three consecutive announcements known as "banns."

    Banns serve as a notification to the local community that a couple intends to marry, allowing any legal or moral objections to be raised prior to the marriage taking place. They are often read out during regular religious services, allowing all members of the congregation to be aware of the upcoming union.

    The purpose of declaring banns of matrimony is to ensure that the marriage is entered into freely and without any legal impediments. In the event that anyone opposes the marriage, they are given an opportunity to come forward and provide evidence or reasons why the marriage should not proceed. This can include circumstances such as preexisting marriages, prohibited degrees of consanguinity, or legal obstacles that could invalidate the proposed union.

    While banns of matrimony were more commonly practiced in the past, they still continue to be observed in some religious denominations and countries today, serving as a formality before a marriage is solemnized. By publicly announcing impending nuptials, banns contribute to transparency and uphold the principles of consent, ensuring that both parties are free to marry and there are no legal encumbrances that could invalidate the union.