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The history of marriage - Alex Gendler

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TEDEd Animation

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A white, puffy dress. Eternal love. A joint tax return. Marriage means something different to everyone and has changed over time and across cultures. Alex Gendler traces the history of getting hitched, providing insights on polygamy, same-sex unions and even marriage between the dead and the living.

Why would the authorities in an agricultural society have official laws governing marriage?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Artist Jeremy Jusay
  • Producer Aaron Augenblick
  • Compositor Kristofer Wollinger
  • Narrator Michelle Snow

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