Marriage Moats-The Guggenheim

Published: Mon, 01/10/11

Marriage Moats

Caring for Marriage

I have an idea. Maybe I will see it come true before I die.

There are museums for art, history, dolls, quilts, science, and aerospace. There are 130 museums in New York City alone. The Museum of Musical Instruments just opened in Phoenix, and I want to go. Some of the more unusual museums are dedicated to barbed wire, Jello-O, bananas, bunnies and bricks. There is even one dedicated to organized crime.

Why is there no Marriage Museum?

Certainly marriage is of more universal interest than bricks, and is far healthier for society than Jell-O.

There is a lot to be learned about marriage, including its history and influence. There are fascinating traditions spanning both time and countries that are worth commemorating. A collection could include wedding dresses, ethnic reception dishes, examples of ceremonies and dances. It could describe the spectrum of celebrations following the union of husband and wife.

Our wedding clothes were special to us, with the quote "Blessed are they who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb" on my bodice, and a pomegranate with seeds of gold on John's pocket. His handmade buttons depicted a series starting with a seed and ending with fruit.

Another friend embroidered the ten commandments around the circumference of her veil, and made her husband a suit of red wool because of the significance of that fabric.

What is a wedding like in Scotland? Japan? Mongolia? How does a wedding in the 1700's compare with contemporary ones? What is served at a wedding feast in Bali? Or Guatemala? How do ceremonies vary? What things stay the same?

It could feature art devoted to marriage, such as photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and paintings. When we lived in New Mexico we loved the Native American wedding vases that had two openings and one base. Some communities make quilts for a new couple, to express their support for marriage.

John bought me a replica of Rodin's The Hand of God, in which He is forming a man and woman. It is a powerful image of the creation of a husband and wife.

Years ago I lost myself in the beauty of an installation of exquisite wedding garments that included not the bride, but the family. There were delicate fruits and flowers embroidered on each piece, with attention given to fabrics, colors and textures. I wish I could see it again.

I once created a display of wedding invitations, and people enjoyed the creativity and commitment expressed on paper.

There is marriage music as well, which could be playing in the galleries. John and I have composed some ourselves, as have our friends Solomon and Tirah Keal. (www.solomonkeal.com)

Museums exist to preserve and protect what we value. They help to educate people and honor their efforts and achievements.

The Marriage Museum. The time has come.

Photo by Chara Odhner