There was a variety of different things that composed the marriage aspect of Dakota culture. A young man would court a maiden by attracting attention with his skills or reputation, and if she liked him, they would talk. When the parents believed it was time for a son to get married, they asked one of the grandfathers to give the young man advice. When a young couple decided to marry, they would live together with one of their parents. It was customary for the bridegroom to paint the face of his bride upon her arrival in the dwelling of her future husband. The marriage was then announced at the next dance and the relatives gave away many presents, often holding a large feast. Simply living apart would end marriages, and sometimes the husband announced that he has “thrown her away", meaning anyone was free to court the woman. If he took his wife back it was considered a disgrace, and he would be dropped from the society. This was what made up the marriage culture of the Dakota.
By: Stefan Castelán
