Do arranged marriages still take place in Italy?
In Italy the tradition of arranged marriages is no longer practiced. Arranged marriages are a rarity that can be seen only in secluded areas of Southern Italy or elite noble families with ancient traditions. It is definitely not a common practice. * Are there any special traditions that take place when a man proposes to a woman? In the past, a groom requested the bride’s hand in marriage from the woman’s family (i.e. the father) first. This still happens in some areas of Southern Italy but usually a man proposes to a woman directly. * Does the man give a woman a diamond ring when he proposes? Traditionally, in the past, the typical engagement ring was a solitary diamond, which is a diamond to be worn solo; nowadays a variety of rings can be used among which one of the most common is the diamond veretta (a ring with diamonds all around that symbolizes the eternity of love). For Italians the ring is the symbol of engagement. The ring signifies promise, gift and dedication. It is worn on
