1. Introduction

Marriage has always been a significant part of society, manifesting and maintaining the beliefs and behavior of various cultures. Family ties and beliefs were often seen as more important than a person's flexibility to make their own decisions. The beliefs and actions of Greek marriages, particularly in areas like Athens and Sparta, showed that Earth expected people to be parents and kids. In contrast, Chinese Taoism cultures see marriage more practically, based on the ideology of yin and yang. Taoism encourages a complete view of organizations, focused on value for each other and speaking up. However, Chinese Taoism still had some limits for individuals. Traditional gender roles were usually shaped by thoughts, which made it harder for people to own freedom and independence. This study looks at marriage in two regions: ancient Greece and Chinese Taoism. It focuses on how their essential beliefs and customs manifest society's opinions on gender roles and equality. This research looks at the conventions of marriage in ancient Greek and Chinese Taoist nations to understand how they can help people improve for the future.

2. Ancient Greek Marriage Tradition

2.1. Wedding Rituals and Ceremonies

The wedding rituals in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens and Sparta, reflect traditional customs and prevailing societal mindsets. In Athens, weddings were celebrated over three days without the presence of priests[1]. During these rituals, brides bathed in the water and offered a portion of their hair as a sacrifice to Artemis, who was believed to oversee the transition of young women from chastity to adulthood[2]. Afterward, the groom carried the bride to his home bestowing fertility upon them with a ritualistic gesture[3]. The groom's mother then conducted a ceremony that presented particular foods. Finally, the bride lifted her veil, allowing the groom to see her face for the first time. While marriage was a significant milestone, childbirth marked a woman's transition to adulthood, reflecting a central societal belief and social structure that required women to bear children and manage a household. However, Spartan weddings were notably different from Athenian ceremonies. In Sparta, the groom abducted the bride, and the bride cut part of her hair and dressed in men's clothing[4]. Upon arrival, the groom would remove the bride's belt, symbolizing the completion and success of their marriage ritual.

Specifically, in many ancient Greek cities, sacrifices were offered as part of the wedding rituals. The belt highlighted the importance of virginity for unmarried females in ancient Greece. Several brides-to-be sacrificed to the goddess Athena, seeking her protection for her smooth transition from maidenhood to motherhood. In addition, cutting the bride's hair symbolized the appeasement of the virgin goddess’s wrath to prevent the goddess’s anger from losing their virginity, placating the goddess's anger. In ancient Greek weddings, rituals like sacrifices and hair-cutting reflected the era's reverence for virginity, and these acts successfully honored religious beliefs and revealed their endeavor to maintain divine favor during significant life changes.

2.2. Social Roles and Status

In ancient Greece, the roles of women and men were sharply divided, and myths offer vivid illustrations of these differences. Take Pandora, a symbol of deceit, used by Zeus to punish Prometheus for stealing fire, portraying her as the source of human misfortunes[5]. Similarly, Eve's act that tempted Adam to eat the "Forbidden Fruit" represents a fall into sin and corruption, marking the beginning of humanity's troubles. Both Pandora and Eve reflect the widespread misogyny and show how women bear the brunt of societal anxieties and prejudices.

Furthermore, female characters were constrained from enduring stereotypes and faced significant limitations. In Beginning Theory, Peter Barry addresses how male writers shaped female images through "role models" provided by male writers, who constructed idealized or acceptable versions of female characters, thereby reinforcing the prevalent patriarchal mindset[6]. These stereotypes revealed the perpetuation of the male gaze and singular representation of female personalities, highlighting the persistent cultural inequity between men and women.

Moreover, Blondell argues that women were controlled by their husbands, revealing a social phenomenon in which women were considered the property of their husbands, and he illustrates how vulnerable women, under the patronage of their fathers or husbands, suffered within a patriarchal society[7]. In contrast, men typically married around 30, while many women were married between 13 and 15, and this age disparity highlights the significant financial and social value attributed to men, underscoring their differing marriage ages became a social catalyst that perpetuates gender inequity. However, the treatment of women varied significantly by region. In Sparta, women enjoyed relatively more freedom than Athenian women, who had inherited property without granting privilege, underscoring how societal norms influenced the status of women[8].

2.3. Extensibility of Marriage in Ancient Greek

Classical Greek writing often exhibits people as strong and great, but these pictures are influenced by people's mindset, making it almost impossible for women to seek equality. On the other hand, in recent Greece, children's rights began to be recognized during times when the business was not flourishing. This encouraged some women to participate in social movements, which inspired them to rebel and possibly change their roles in society. Then, feminism became a significant global concern, with more and more people supporting children's permission. Researchers are looking for ways to question the person-focused way of thinking that even affects how people view intercourse. Various social groups are now working to provide equal status for men and women and are trying to enact laws that protect women's rights. Because of this, women have become financially independent, may decide their job lines and partners, and are breaking away from old ideas about modesty, which has helped them gain more value in society.

The strong sexual power of ancient Greece is now typically seen extreme, especially when we think about how it affected gender equality. Society expects individuals to get female until they get married under patriarchy, which lowers their status and potentially supports negative views about women. This makes it harder for them to get financial independence. The moral values from that time are undoubtedly old-made compared to today's progress in women's rights. As we go up, it's important to realize past hardships and work for a fairer idea for everyone.

In summary, marriage in ancient Greece represented the rules of society that restricted family choices. Women had to follow rigid gender roles and get women. This system pushed women to the side, making them weak and dependent on people for support. Today, it's important to help people stand up for their rights and follow their desires, freeing them from antiquated- made beliefs. By learning earlier wrongs and promoting similar freedom for all people, we can help create a fairer idea where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. True equality means understanding past mistakes and continuously working to remove existing barriers. We need to create a lifestyle that respects and supports people.

3. Chinese Taoist Marriage Tradition

3.1. Philosophy and Rituals about Marriage

In Taoism, individuals represent "yin", which works together with "yang" to provide balance and serenity in the world. Yin's wondering and character are believed to help people survive long and find ways to live longer. By getting these feminine qualities, Taoist techniques highlight the importance of being in tune with society's styles. This helps people connect with the life energy that supports their well-being and spiritual growth. In the end, showing persons as "yin" emphasizes their important role in bringing balance and wellness to both people and the world.

Taoist marriage ceremonies are full of value and based on Taoist thoughts. Consumers stand in a circle around the set, creating a shape that indicates balance and harmony. As the ceremony starts, the couple thanks the earth, character, and the ongoing character that connects everything in life. A critical part of the ceremony is a board with eight gentle lights, which helps create a calm feeling[9]. The couple is getting clay pots one with water and the other with a lit candle. This represents the powerful connection to nature. This ceremony shows that they want to acquire balance and tranquility, and it represents their aim to connect with the character inside themselves. In the end, this significant ceremony brings the setup and connects them to the larger world, ending their life together. Taoism is an important way of thinking that includes various ideas about marriage, sex, having children, and family interactions. It highlights that marriage does follow the natural way of things. It sees romantic relationships as an important part of Taoist ideas. Taoist teachings challenge the common beliefs about being real and individual- governed by both men and women in ancient China, arguing against the idea of holding up organic feelings and desires. These rules say that fighting against our healthy bodily ideas may be negative for our health and satisfaction.

The idea of yin and yang helps us understand the character and the earth, and it shows us how important it is to have harmony in our relationships. In this view, being in a relationship is crucial not just because it is a normal people want, but also because it is essential for pleasure and for getting new life into the world. In most of time, without providing the power of intimate feelings doesn't suggest that you support being exceedingly physical, which would also upset the natural balance. Nevertheless, Taoism encourages us to value nature and get a balance in our lives. It suggests becoming acceptable in intimate relationships and avoiding too much in everything we do.

Spiritual views acknowledge that women have privileges over their sex, but they also involve implementing women to support the idea of "using the chin to support yang". This plan focuses on maintaining or enhancing power through physical actions, especially between men and women. Taoism beliefs have children but also support birth control to help manage the power lost from getting to some kids. It encourages having great children to make certain individuals rise goes well with our quality of life. Moreover, Taoism pushes against the guy-dominated systems by supporting equal rights for all genders and encouraging a fine view on sexual and reproductive rights as part of living in harmony with character.

In summary, Taoism shows that family relationships are important, especially in marriage, and it encourages related rights and respect between enthusiasts. Individuals are encouraged to examine responsibilities fairly, working cooperatively to support their families and take care of their children. This great agreement not only deepens their marriage but also creates a peaceful home environment, in line with Chinese suggestions of cooperation and togetherness. Taoism helps create a good and caring marriage by knowing what each person brings to the arrangement, which is good for both the lovers and their families.

3.2. Women’s Roles and Cosmic Connections

The history of Taoism indicates that women's careers have changed a little, especially since the Tang dynasty. During this time, many people took part in Taoist strategies and had related rights and status as men. They worked on their social and frequent expertise and took on numerous things like priests, nuns, doctors, saints, and methods. This account changed how they lived and opened up new social alternatives. It brought up people from different histories and added to the religious practice of that day. Their work was important in creating a community that appreciated children's moral appearance, which helped to transform outdated concepts that often pushed them away. As Taoism grew in its early days, it led to the rise of religious events that supported similar flexibility for both men and women. Leaders of these actions combined native thoughts, which created many different female gods. These angels, often linked to features like rivers and mountains, were essential in the social life of places. Getting in these romantic figures not only added to Taoist thoughts but also highlighted the importance of children's work in the church, supporting the idea that everyone is equal in the metaphysical world. Taoism became vital in helping children's work, making them essential to both the church and the historical job of their communities.

In ancient China, Confucianism was really important and had a great impact on how people behaved and what was expected of them. Taoism took some ideas from Confucianism, like enjoying family and children's sympathetic personality, but it also placed limits on married people[10]. For example, married folks had to get their guys ' permission to join monks, experiencing they were not seen as similar in the home. In the same way, children needed everyone in the home to think before they could match Chinese organizations. This shows how Chinese ideas are connected and often change each other. This situation recognized the importance of getting a home but also reinforced a structure that confined children's flexibility, leading to a superior understanding of what it means to obtain feminine right--something that was both praised and limited. Even with these dilemmas, Taoism provided new opportunities for married and married persons. It allowed them to get nuns and priests, helping them gain respect and fair treatment in a society that usually looked over them. Also, people like sex workers and those kicked out of relationships found help in the Taoist social group, promoting them to start around and create a sense of community. These unnoticed folks were extremely important for the future of Taoism. They added new techniques and ideas that improved its values and helped build a feeling of community.

Taoism encouraged the idea of related roles for men and women in marriage, but this view is quite different from how we think about it nowadays. In real life, Taoism usually allowed a man to have several girls. This meant that married citizens had more jobs than men. It is important to look thoroughly at Taoist marriage techniques. Performing helps us understand the complicated roles and expectations that influence women's jobs in these relationships. This research helps us see the difficult tasks of intercourse in Taoist techniques. It encourages us to understand both the development and the problems that individuals face in this spiritual building. The method of marriage perhaps be expanded or adapted in Chinese Taoist thoughts. Now, society generally encourages having one partner and managing all also, showing how our society has changed a lot over the years. Traditional Chinese Taoism, which has been influenced by Chinese emotions, has often limited the rights of married individuals. However, it has also helped young people live with value and has seen an increase in people getting power. But in marriage, women have earned benefits from their husbands, even though the grown- made man- dominated program is still around.

Taoism has improved gender equality, especially during and after the Tang dynasty, when people took part in spiritual rites. This account led to the creation of many people angels, adding detail to Taoism's spiritual ideas and questioning conventional male dominance. In this situation, marriage is a little case of bigger shifts in society, exhibiting how some things stay the same while some change in how men and women connect.

In the end, marriage in Taoism is changed to match new political principles. Even though typical ideas likewise influence marriage work, Taoist mindset manifests a better understanding of relationships, focused on balance, pride, and growing up. While the Chinese perspective on marriage has some limitations, it likewise offers significant ideas about gender and organizations, showing that it covers a wide range of issues.

3.3. Extensibility of Marriage in Chinese Taoist

Contemporary society largely promotes monogamy and gender equality, reflecting significant cultural shifts over time. While traditional Chinese Taoism, influenced by Confucian thought, has historically constrained the rights of married women, it has also afforded unmarried women dignified living conditions and witnessed the rise of female empowerment. Even within marriage, women have gained respect from their male partners, despite the prevailing patriarchal structures. Taoism has made notable progress toward greater gender equality, particularly during and after the Tang dynasty, when women actively participated in religious practices. This involvement led to the emergence of diverse female deities, enriching Taoism’s spiritual landscape and challenging patriarchal norms. In this context, marriage serves as a microcosm of broader societal changes, reflecting both continuity and the evolution of gender dynamics.

Ultimately, the adaptability of marriage in Chinese Taoism lies in its responsiveness to evolving social norms. While traditional expectations still shape marital roles, Taoist principles promote a deeper understanding of partnership, emphasizing balance, respect, and mutual growth. Although the Taoist perspective on marriage has its limitations, its contributions to discussions about gender and relationships are significant, highlighting its overall expansiveness.

4. Comparative Analysis of Extensibility

Looking at how marriage was viewed in ancient Greece and Chinese Taoism shows that there are significant variations in their beliefs and customs, but there are also some unambiguous connections. In ancient Greece, marriage was mostly controlled by people and kept people in household work. Even though strong ladies like Medea are shown in reviews, people commonly view them heavily instead of warmly. This shows a triple regular where women's energy is both acknowledged and criticized. People expect people to get girls until they get married, which limits their rights and creates negative views about them. This strategy made people rely on individuals, making it hard for them to argue their rights or pursue their goals. In comparison, marriage in Taoism is more flexible and adaptable. Over time, especially during the Tang dynasty, Taoism started to recognize physical gods and children's moral features. This changed how people viewed gender in society. Taoist tips focus on balance, recognition, and support each further growth. This lets marriage move as society changes. Even though old jobs still exist, the Taoist supports engagement instead of just after, which helps men and women get equal in a manner that Greek people did not. In Chinese Taoism, marriage is more pliable than in ancient Greece because it can change with society and supports gender equality. Even though both views are based on male-dominated ideas, Taoism focuses on respecting each other and celebrating women, which helps deal with present sexual problems and creates a fairer earth.

5. Conclusion

In summary, looking at marriage standards in ancient Greece and Chinese Taoism shows different views on gender roles and how ties may change. In ancient Greece, marriage was very rigid and people had most of the power, which allude people had limited jobs. In contrast, Chinese practices were more flexible and inspired respect and equality between men and women. Over time, Taoism began to recognize and respect children's price and their duties in communities and spirituality. This was very different from how persons were restricted in ancient Greece. However, this research still has space for improvement, it does not deeply explore the impact of socioeconomic or incorporate modern qualitative research methods, such as interviews or surveys, to gain insights into contemporary perspectives on this historical practice. Looking at these earlier problems helps us understand how sex relationships have changed over time and how we are also acting towards equality. Learning about the past helps us have better discussions than about marriage and the duties of men and women. It also encourages us to build excellent relationships in the future.