- What is polygamy?
- Countries where polygamy is accepted
- Mormons and polygamy
- Polygamy in Mexico
- What is monogamy?
We explain what polygamy is, which countries accept it, and why it is important in the Mormon religion. Also, what is monogamy.
What is polygamy?
It is known as polygamy to a type of marriage in which a person can marry several others at the same time. This applies to marriages of one man and several women (polygyny) or one woman and several men (polyandry). Its name comes from the Greek polís ("Many") and gámos ("marriage").
Polygamy is not accepted, and in fact is sanctioned, by the doctrines Westerners of the law, who consider the monogamy (just the opposite) as the only viable marriage and family option. However, it is exercised in many other cultures, specially in Asia and the Middle East.
On the other hand, the number of polygamous societies documented in the world is quite small, since not all families polygamous come from a polygamous marriage.
Polygamy should not be confused with other forms of love or erotic bond, such as promiscuity, infidelity or informal sexual relationships (orgies, casual relationships, love affairs, prostitution, etc.). In fact, polygamy is often closely linked to certain religious aspects (especially sectors of traditionalist Judaism and Islam).
Perhaps the contemporary term that comes closest to it in the West is called polyamory, but this type of relationship does not enjoy any form of formal or legal recognition.
Countries where polygamy is accepted
Polygamy is formally accepted in some Islamic countries, especially those more traditional, always centered around polygyny.
In nations such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, for example, it is practiced among lessons higher, since the man who has several wives must provide for each a home, even if they do not even have a relationship with each other. In contrast, other more secular Muslim nations, such as Tunisia, Lebanon, Malaysia and Turkey, expressly prohibit this type of union.
The Hindu tradition neither condemns nor encourages polygamy, and in Hindu nations like Bhutan it is formally permitted. However, India is a particular case: polygamy is prohibited for all but Muslims, since ethnic-religious tensions have allowed since 2004 a legislation dual, depending on what religion one belong.
Finally, some of the United States of America allow polygamy in their legislation, even if it is not well regarded socially. South Africa also allows such unions if chosen at the time of marriage.
In Paraguay it was legal during the times after the war of 1865, in which the nation faced Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, and after losing 90% of its population male, it was necessary to make these considerations more flexible under a policy of "free love."
Mormons and polygamy
Polygamy has been part of the life model of a group religious known as Mormons since its founder Joseph Smith stated in 1831 that certain men in his community should practice multiple marriage. Smith explained that this information it had been communicated to him in a divine revelation.
This revelation was published in the Doctrine and covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thus began a long history of disputes between the Condition and the members of this group on the subject.
However, the tightening of bigamy laws in some of the United States forced Mormons to immigrate to Canada and Mexico, where they could continue with these types of marriages.
However, at the beginning of the 20th century the Mormon church began to excommunicate the faithful who practiced it. On the other hand, according to the newspaper Salt Lake Tribune As of 2005, there were still at least 18,500 Mormons living in polygamous households.
Polygamy in Mexico
In Mexico, polygamy is not legally allowed, as it is in all nations of strong Christian roots. However, it was a common practice of pre-Columbian tribes, which is why many Nahuatl ethnic groups in the state of Veracruz still practice it, forming households with several wives, in which the children are raised as brothers.
What is monogamy?
Monogamy is the exact opposite of polygamy, that is, a monogamous marriage can only be made up of two individuals (traditionally of the opposite sex) in a stable, unique and mutually exclusive relationship.
This is the principle in force in Western religions such as Catholicism or Protestantism and is, therefore, the only form of conjugal union possible and recognized by the State. Bigamy, in fact, constitutes a crime punishable by law in most countries.