http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry

according to this, it has existed in china, india, europe. also:

Quote :

"The Dowry system, which was non-existent in India before the eighteenth century, can be attributed to the coming of the colonial and imperialist British with their land ownership rights and the associated revenues. "

and

Quote :

"The practice of the bride giving a dowry to the groom is said to have originated in the system of streedhan (woman's share of parental wealth given to her at marriage). As women could not inherit property, streedhan was seen as a way for the family to secure some of its wealth for its daughter."

alas, something meant for a girl's well being has taken such a horrendous form by now..

[Edited on August 3, 2006 at 1:48 PM. Reason : ]

8/3/2006 1:48:37 PM

italians did it during the renaissance also...

8/3/2006 1:49:18 PM

Quote :

"i never trust a nation that uses the same currency as the legend of zelda"

gg Ernie

8/3/2006 2:00:53 PM