The Hutterites, a communal Anabaptist group living primarily on the North American plains, are known for their distinctive way of life. Their commitment to community, pacifism, and plain living sets them apart from mainstream society. Central to their existence is the institution of marriage, which serves not only as a union between individuals but also as a cornerstone of their communal structure. Understanding who Hutterites marry requires delving into their beliefs, traditions, and social organization.
The Importance of Marriage in Hutterite Society
Marriage holds an exceptionally significant place within Hutterite communities. It is viewed as a sacred covenant, ordained by God, and essential for the continuation and stability of the colony. Marriage is not solely a personal decision; it’s a community-sanctioned event with implications for the entire colony’s well-being.
Hutterite society values the family unit as the primary building block of their communal way of life. Marriage provides a framework for raising children within the colony, ensuring the continuation of Hutterite traditions and beliefs. Children are seen as a blessing and an integral part of the community’s future.
Furthermore, marriage reinforces the Hutterite commitment to mutual support and shared responsibility. Married couples work together to contribute to the economic and social fabric of the colony, sharing the burdens and rewards of communal living. The absence of private property and the emphasis on collective labor make marriage an essential partnership in maintaining the colony’s self-sufficiency.
Mate Selection: A Blend of Tradition and Choice
While marriage is highly valued and community-oriented, the process of mate selection is a complex blend of tradition, parental guidance, and individual choice. It’s not a completely arranged marriage system, but neither is it entirely based on romantic love as understood in modern Western cultures.
The Role of the Community and Elders
Hutterite elders play a significant role in guiding young people toward marriage. They observe individuals within the colony, assessing their maturity, work ethic, and commitment to Hutterite values. Elders may offer suggestions or guidance, but they typically do not force individuals into unwanted marriages. Their influence stems from their respected position within the community and their deep understanding of Hutterite traditions.
The entire community is also involved, indirectly, in the mate selection process. Social events, work assignments, and communal meals provide opportunities for young people to interact and observe each other. The close-knit nature of the colony means that everyone is familiar with each other’s character and reputation, making it easier to assess potential compatibility.
Dating and Courtship
Dating, as it’s commonly understood in mainstream society, doesn’t exist in Hutterite culture. However, a period of courtship does occur, typically after individuals have reached their late teens or early twenties. This courtship involves spending time together in supervised settings, often with other young people present. It’s a time for the couple to get to know each other better and assess their compatibility on a deeper level.
During this time, the couple may also seek guidance from their parents and elders. They may discuss their feelings and concerns, seeking advice on whether the relationship is a good fit for both individuals and the community. The emphasis is on finding a partner who shares their values, commitment to Hutterite life, and willingness to work together for the common good.
Exogamy vs. Endogamy: Marrying Within and Without
Traditionally, Hutterites have practiced a form of endogamy, meaning they primarily marry within their own religious group. However, strict endogamy is not always possible or desirable, especially within smaller colonies.
While marriage between members of different Hutterite colonies is common, it’s rare for Hutterites to marry outside of their faith. Marrying outside the faith would introduce potentially conflicting values and beliefs, threatening the colony’s unity and way of life. Such a union is heavily discouraged and can lead to social ostracism.
The Hutterite population is divided into three main “Leut” (groups): Schmiedeleut, Dariusleut, and Lehrerleut. These Leut are distinct groups, tracing their origins back to different leaders and settlements in the 19th century. Marriage across Leut lines is generally accepted but less common than marriage within the same Leut. This is due to differences in customs, traditions, and sometimes even dialect.
Prohibited Marriages and Restrictions
Hutterite society has clear restrictions on who can marry whom. These restrictions are rooted in their religious beliefs and their desire to maintain the purity and integrity of their community.
Consanguinity and Incest
Like many religious groups, Hutterites prohibit marriage between close relatives. Marriage between siblings, parents and children, or first cousins is strictly forbidden. These restrictions are based on biblical teachings and are intended to prevent genetic disorders and maintain the moral integrity of the community.
Determining acceptable marriage partners can be a challenge, especially in smaller colonies where the gene pool is limited. Hutterites meticulously maintain genealogical records to track family relationships and ensure that potential marriage partners are not too closely related. Sometimes, if the colony is small, young people might have to seek partners from other colonies to avoid close blood relations.
Age and Maturity
Marriage is not permitted until individuals reach a certain level of maturity and are deemed ready to take on the responsibilities of married life. While there is no strict age requirement, Hutterites generally marry in their late teens or early twenties. This allows them time to mature, learn the necessary skills for contributing to the colony, and demonstrate their commitment to Hutterite values.
Individuals are expected to be baptized before marriage, signifying their acceptance of Hutterite beliefs and their commitment to living according to Hutterite principles. Baptism typically occurs in the late teens or early twenties, coinciding with the age at which individuals are considered ready for marriage.
Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce is extremely rare in Hutterite society and is generally discouraged. The emphasis is on maintaining the sanctity of marriage and working through any challenges that may arise. In the rare event of divorce, it is typically only permitted in cases of adultery or abandonment.
Remarriage after divorce is also uncommon and is subject to the approval of the elders. The elders will carefully consider the circumstances of the divorce and the individual’s suitability for remarriage. The focus is on ensuring that any remarriage is in the best interests of the individual and the community.
The Wedding Ceremony and Celebration
Hutterite weddings are simple, solemn affairs that reflect their commitment to plain living and their emphasis on community. They are typically held in the colony’s church or communal dining hall and are attended by the entire community.
Simplicity and Community Focus
The wedding ceremony is characterized by its simplicity and lack of ostentation. There are no elaborate decorations, fancy attire, or extravagant displays of wealth. The focus is on the spiritual significance of the union and the couple’s commitment to each other and the community.
The bride typically wears a simple, modest dress, often made by the women in the colony. The groom wears a dark suit, similar to what is worn during regular church services. There are no rings exchanged, as Hutterites generally avoid wearing jewelry.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself consists of prayers, hymns, and a sermon delivered by the colony’s minister. The minister emphasizes the importance of marriage in Hutterite society and the couple’s responsibilities to each other and the community.
The couple makes vows to each other, promising to remain faithful and supportive throughout their lives. These vows are taken very seriously and are seen as a binding commitment before God and the community.
The Feast and Celebration
After the ceremony, the community gathers for a feast to celebrate the new union. The feast is a communal affair, with everyone contributing food and labor. It is a time of joy and fellowship, as the community welcomes the new couple into their married life.
The celebration typically includes singing, dancing, and games. However, these activities are always conducted in a modest and respectful manner, reflecting the Hutterite values of simplicity and humility.
The Changing Landscape of Hutterite Marriage
While Hutterite marriage practices have remained relatively consistent over time, there are signs of change and adaptation in response to the pressures of the outside world.
Increased Interaction with the Outside World
As Hutterite colonies become increasingly integrated into the broader economy and society, young people are exposed to different values and lifestyles. This can lead to questioning of traditional practices and a desire for greater autonomy in mate selection.
The internet and social media also play a role in exposing Hutterite youth to the outside world. While access to these technologies is often restricted, it is becoming increasingly difficult to completely shield young people from outside influences.
Challenges and Adaptations
Some Hutterites are choosing to leave the colonies, seeking greater freedom and individual expression. This can put a strain on the community and lead to a re-evaluation of traditional practices.
In response to these challenges, some Hutterite colonies are becoming more open to allowing young people greater input into the mate selection process. They may allow for more unsupervised interaction between potential partners or offer counseling to help couples navigate the challenges of married life.
While Hutterites are committed to preserving their unique way of life, they are also pragmatic and adaptable. They recognize that some degree of change is inevitable and that they must find ways to balance tradition with the needs and aspirations of their members.
The question of who Hutterites marry is intricately linked to their communal lifestyle, religious beliefs, and social structure. While tradition and community guidance play significant roles, individual choice and adaptation to modern influences are also shaping the landscape of Hutterite marriage. The future will likely see a continuation of this delicate balance, as Hutterites strive to maintain their unique identity while navigating the complexities of the modern world.
Who are Hutterites and where do they primarily live?
Hutterite colonies are primarily located in the prairie regions of North America, especially in the United States and Canada. States like Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota in the US, and provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada, have substantial Hutterite populations. They live in agricultural colonies, fostering self-sufficiency and strong community bonds.
Are Hutterites allowed to marry outside of their community?
Intermarriage with outsiders is typically discouraged and rare. It could lead to significant challenges for the individual and the community, potentially impacting their ability to maintain their distinct identity and way of life. The emphasis on communal living and shared beliefs makes maintaining a Hutterite lifestyle exceedingly difficult outside the community.
What is the typical age for marriage among Hutterites?
Historically, marriage ages may have been younger, but contemporary Hutterite colonies often prioritize completing formal education and acquiring practical skills before marriage. This postponement allows individuals to contribute more effectively to the community’s economic and social well-being once they establish their own households.
How are marriage partners chosen in Hutterite communities?
Arranged marriages, as commonly understood in other cultures, are not typical in Hutterite colonies. However, parents and elders often play a significant guiding role in the selection process, offering advice and facilitating introductions. The final decision rests with the individuals involved, and they have the opportunity to express their preferences and feelings before a marriage takes place.
What are the marriage ceremonies like in Hutterite colonies?
The wedding celebrations are often followed by a communal meal and festivities that include traditional Hutterite songs and customs. The focus is on celebrating the union within the community and reinforcing the values of commitment, family, and faith. The emphasis is on spiritual significance rather than lavish displays.
Is divorce permitted in Hutterite communities?
While separation may occur in extreme circumstances, the community will actively work to encourage reconciliation and preserve the marriage. The high value placed on family unity and the communal nature of Hutterite society make divorce a rare and discouraged occurrence. The focus remains on maintaining the stability and harmony of the community.
How does the limited gene pool within Hutterite communities affect marriage practices?
To address this, Hutterite communities sometimes arrange marriages between members of different colonies to introduce new genetic material. This helps to diversify the gene pool and reduce the likelihood of genetic disorders. The movement of individuals between colonies for marriage is a practical approach to balancing the need for community cohesion with the benefits of genetic diversity.