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Re: MARRIAGE [2/3]
>From Hinduism Today
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Part 2
What Is the Hindu Family Structure?
The main Hindu social unit is the joint family, usually
consisting of several generations living together under the
guidance of the father and mother. Each joint family is
part of a greater body called the extended family. Aum.
A joint family lives under one roof. It includes a father and
mother, their sons, grandsons and great-grandsons and all their
spouses, as well as all daughters, granddaughters and
great-granddaughters until they are married. The head of the
family is the father, assisted by his wife, or in his absence
the eldest son, encouraged by his mother, and in his absence,
the next eldest brother. The family head delegates
responsibilities to members according to their abilities. The
mother oversees household activities, nurturance, hospitality
and gift-giving. Religious observances are the eldest son's
responsibility. The joint family is founded on selfless
sharing, community ownership and the fact that each member's
voice and opinion is important. The extended family includes
one or more joint families, community elders, married daughters
and their kindred, close friends and business associates. It is
headed by the family guru, priests and panditas. The Vedas
offer blessings: "Dwell in this home; never be parted! Enjoy
the full duration of your days, with sons and grandsons playing
to the end, rejoicing in your home to your heart's content." Aum
Namah Sivaya.
Continued in part 3
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