Marriage bureau is a compound word that refers to an agency that assists individuals in finding a marital partner. The spelling of the word marriage is /ˈmæɹɪdʒ/, with the stress on the first syllable. Bureau is spelled /bjuːˈɹəʊ/ (byoo-ROH) with the stress on the second syllable. The word is often used in South Asian countries and has gained significance in international marriages. With technology taking over the world, online marriage bureaus have become quite common, making it easier for people to find compatible matches.
A marriage bureau is a specialized agency or organization that facilitates the process of finding a suitable life partner for individuals seeking to enter into matrimony. This term primarily refers to a formal establishment that acts as an intermediary between prospective brides and grooms, assisting them in their search for compatible partners.
Operating on the principle of matchmaking, a marriage bureau collects essential personal information and preferences from individuals looking for a life partner. They meticulously compile a database of eligible candidates, categorizing them based on factors like age, religion, caste, educational background, profession, and other specific criteria as per the cultural context. This comprehensive pool of potential matches is then utilized by the bureau's expert staff, who conduct in-depth assessments and evaluations to identify the most compatible matches for registered clients.
The marriage bureau acts as a reliable and confidential platform, offering a range of essential services to facilitate the entire process of spouse selection. These services include pre-screening of potential partners, arranging face-to-face meetings, providing guidance and advice to clients, and sometimes coordinating the marriage ceremonies themselves. The bureau's ultimate goal is to create successful matches that lead to long-lasting and harmonious relationships while upholding cultural traditions and values.
Marriage bureaus have been particularly popular in societies where arranged marriages are prevalent, as they provide a practical solution for individuals who may struggle to find ideal partners through conventional social networks. In an era of increasing globalization and modernization, marriage bureaus continue to play a significant role in bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary notions of finding a life partner.
The term "marriage bureau" is derived from the combination of two words: "marriage" and "bureau".
1. Marriage: The word "marriage" originally comes from the Middle English word "mariage" (circa 1300), which traces back to the Old French word "marriage". The Old French term was derived from the Latin word "maritatus", which itself evolved from the Latin word "maritus", meaning "husband" or "married".
2. Bureau: The word "bureau" has its roots in the French "bureau" or "burel", which meant a "writing desk" or "office". The French term was developed from the Old French word "burel", which referred to a rough fabric used for covering desks. The word burel was ultimately derived from the Frankish word "būrjan", meaning "keep, guard".