How old unmarried woman can be considered spinster?
There has been different ideas of what age one can be considered spinster. The main idea is that spinster is a woman, who has passed the usual marital age. What that is depends on the specific society. In many 19th century societies one was considered spinster after she reached the age of independence according to law, often at the age of 24. I have heard that in Finland there was until 70s even a special tax for spinsters and bachelors over 24 years of age. According to the United Arab Emirates’ Khaleej Times 16 July 2004 spinsters would be women between 25 to 35 years of age. This is of course in Arab country, where girls are suppose to marry soon after becoming adults. On the historical legal documents spinster can be legally already at the age of 8 or even younger. “Eliza O’Connell, d.11 Oct 1867, William Street, Listowel, spinster age 8, shopkeeper’s child, Jeremiah O’Connel present at death.” “Spinster, age of 2 weeks.” But then the legal definition of spinster (unmarried female)
