Women in the 16th century

The women's life in 16th century
Wedding custom :
Wedding depending on the social status of the families of brides.
The intention to marry must be announced in the church three times, that is on three consecutive
Sundays or holidays, in the same parish. If the two people live in different parishes, the bans must
be read in both.
People do however send messages to their friends and relations and gifts are cheerfully received. If
the wedding is at Court everyone simply understand their are expected
Since the church is open, anyone can attend as long as there is room although fairly strict social
order is observe. Poorer neighbors, tenants and passersby stand at the back
Just because a marriage is arranged doesn't mean you've never met the other person. Expect among
the nobility most people arrange their children marriages with the children of neighbors and friends.
The lower on the social scale you are, the more likely you are to have a choice in the matter
Wives are the propriety of their husband.
Some women are more independent than others and some fear marriage however. Every woman
expected to be married and to depend on her male relatives throughout her life.
Education
As for girls, in a rich family a tutor usually taught them at home. Upper class and middle class
women were educated, they learned arithmetic by their mothers. They were highly educated and
learned music dancing.
Victoria and Floriane