Culture and tradition in relationships: A fine line or a given?
Hollywood goes to Bollywood! Fans around the world were elated over the official engagement party of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas this past weekend. Nick was introduced to a few new traditions, but was it fair of Priyanka for asking him to partake in them?
After many rumours and much speculation, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas made their engagement Instagram official. A traditional Roka ceremony was held this past weekend in India which saw the Jonas' meet and greet the Chopra family.
Read: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas to host engagement party in India
The groom-to-be took to his Instagram to share a picture of him and the gorgeous Priyanka.
"Future Mrs. Jonas. My heart. My love," his post was captioned.
According to wedding planning website Wedding Doers, a Roka ceremony is considered to be one of the most significant and auspicious pre-wedding ceremonies in Indian culture, and it brings about the official announcement of the consent of both a man and a woman for getting married to each other.
The ceremony sees families gather together for the first time officially to exchange sweets, gifts, and dry fruits. A prayer is also conducted by an Indian priest to bless the event.
Read: Should pre-schoolers be taught religion?
It seems that the Jonas' were exposed to traditions that they are not familiar with. Beliefnet reports that Nick and his family were brought up in the Assemblies of God denomination, and openly spoke about purity rings to symbolise chastity.
But what happens when two people meet from two different cultural backgrounds? I must commend Nick for respecting Priyanka's traditions and culture enough to have partaken in the ceremony. But was it right for her to expect him to do so, especially since he has different traditions and beliefs of his own?
What do you think? Is it fair to ask your partner to partake in your cultural traditions, especially if they conflict with your own?