The Brideprice

Once apon a time, a young man compensated his future bride's parents for taking her from them to his own family. This revealed her value to him -- and set the tone for the marriage. A woman from a wealthy family expected a hefty brideprice -- and knew that, if it were paid, she could expect an equal voice in the marriage. A peasant, on the other hand, was lucky if anything at all was offered.

The transaction was done with the woman's parents: the agreed-apon price was paid, and the woman turned over on the spot. Much dishonesty from both parties was avoided this way. But sometimes, among the very wealthy, the man paid the price and the woman was invited to join him later. How much freedom she had at this point revealed the level of trust she could expect in the marriage. As you can imagine, this invitation was rarely extended and very much abused.

But this is that story.