The word “wed” is derived from the ancient Greek word for “pledge.” And that’s exactly what a wedding is, no matter what country it takes place in, no matter what culture it’s part of. To wed is to pledge yourself to another. There are few acts we perform that are more pure or more beautiful than the act of marriage.

The pledge that lasts a lifetime.

Marriage is the most solemn pledge we make in our lifetimes. Traditionally the wedding pledge is made in front of family and friends who take special pains to stand up and witness our pledge. The wedding pledge is to be true and faithful and loving to another human being. To wed is both the most basic of all human pledges, and at the same time the most sublime.

Marriage carries with it the most solemn of promises, but it also embodies the potential for the greatest joy of human existence – the pure joy that flows from two hearts beating as one. There are few joys in life as deep or as long lasting as the joy that springs from the well of true love and a lasting marriage.

If we are lucky, we find our one, true soul mate.

We even have a term for it: soul mates. Two people, individual but at the same time inextricably a part of each other, so in-tune with the wants and the needs and the desires of the other that often words are not necessary. A mere glance between two lovers speaks volumes.

In almost all cultures the marriage ceremony ends with the bride and groom exchanging a kiss. The wedding kiss transcends cultures, it bridges tribes, it is one of the very few things that bind all of us together as human beings. From ancient times to the modern day, from the deepest jungles to the tallest skyscrapers, the wedding kiss symbolizes for all people everywhere the physical uniting of two souls.

Marriage is the strongest bond the world has ever known.

Marriage is a bringing together. It is a bringing together of two people, of two families, or two tribes, or two villages, or even two countries. Marriage is that powerful. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. Marriage is a pledge meant to last a lifetime.

Yet it is one of the unceasing marvels that we are able to express something as basic as love and marriage in so many wonderful and touching ways. Such is the wonder of human existence. The ceremonies and the traditions may be different, they may seem strange or outlandish or they may touch feelings in us that we never knew we had, but there is something about marriage that is instantly recognizable no matter what the language.

Love truly does make the world go around.

It has often been said that love transcends everything, that it knows no barriers. If you are looking for a unique or thoughtful way of showing your love, then perhaps you have come to the right place. Here you will find many ways to “tie the knot.” Perhaps you will discover a charming wedding tradition that you can make all your own. If you have decided to make the pledge, then be prepared to embrace love and marriage in all its splendors, and the world will be yours.