WORLD MARRIAGE DAY
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY
Every year on the second Sunday of February, World Marriage Day honors the lifelong commitment of husband and wife. It’s also a day for married couples to recognize the support they need to stay committed to one another.
#WorldMarriageDay
It’s unknown how many people get married in the world each year. We do know that over two million weddings get performed each year in the United States alone. Sadly, not all of these married couples will stay together. According to recent statistics, up to half of all marriages in the U.S. end up in divorce. Factors that increase the chances of getting divorced include getting married too young, premarital cohabitation, financial difficulties, and not having a religious affiliation. Some couples divorce at the first sign of trouble in their marriage.
No matter how difficult a marriage is, or what risk factors are present, couples should consider staying together. Some of the reasons for choosing to stay together include:
Many couples who choose to stay together are glad they did.
Children suffer when their parents split up and often blame themselves.
Spouses can learn to fall in love again.
Each spouse will learn and grow when they work through marriage problems.
It’s very difficult to be a single parent.
Couples who choose to continue in their commitment also learn some very important lessons along the way. The first lesson they learn is that they need to stop trying to change their spouse. Instead, it’s important for each person to take responsibility for their part in the marriage. It’s vital in marriage to not play the “blame game.”
Couples should also consider taking divorce completely off the table as if it’s not even an option. Sometimes seeking help from a trusted friend, pastor, or marriage counselor is necessary. Attending a marriage retreat might also be beneficial. Couples should consider the fact that there is more to marriage than just wanting to be happy. Marriage also provides security, comfort, and companionship. World Marriage Day offers couples many ways to take another look at their marriage and help it grow.
CELEBRATE WORLD MARRIAGE DAY TODAY
On World Marriage Day, many churches around the world host marriage seminars and workshops. Priests and pastors also encourage married couples to spend quality time with another. They put out recommendations for books and other information that can help to strengthen a couple’s marriage.
To participate:
Have a date night where you go out for supper or a movie (or both) with your spouse.
Have a deep conversation and ask one another what aspect of marriage each of you needs to work on the most.
If you’re in a difficult marriage, contact a counselor or consider attending a marriage seminar.
Read a book about marriage, such as “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, “What Did You Expect: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage” by Paul David Tripp, and “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John M. Gottman
Share this day on social media with #WorldMarriageDay
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY HISTORY
The idea of having a day to celebrate marriage started in Baton Rouge, LA in 1981. The day was called, “We Believe in Marriage Day.” By 1982, 42 governors around the country proclaimed this special day. The day spread to other countries when U.S. military bases around the world began to take part. In 1983 the day was changed to World Marriage Day. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter sponsors the day.
DATES
14 February 2027
13 February 2028
11 February 2029
10 February 2030