LEGAL MARRIAGE AND CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE AMONG THE CHINESE IN SINGAPORE : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

In Singapore, for the past three decades, it has been a common practice for the Chinese to hold a customary marriage after the legal marriage ceremony at the Registry of Marriages. Even though customary marriages are no longer recognised by the law as legally binding, the Chinese still perform the traditional marriage rites. This need to perform the traditional marriage rituals shows that social recognition is also important in defining a marriage. Traditionally, marriage was contracted to serve the lineage and the family. The ideas about marriage among the Chinese today have changed. Increasingly, young Chinese see marriage as a personal relationship between a husband and wife. These issues will be discussed in this academic exercise.