Levirate marriage

Origins and rationale

The term comes from the Latin word for husband's brother. Societies with patriarchal structures often used this custom. It provided a male provider for widows who might otherwise lack support. In some regions, it helped control population growth by marrying younger men to older widows. The primary goal was usually the survival of the clan and the continuation of the deceased man's line.

Religious practices

In Judaism, the practice is called yibbum. Jewish law encourages it but allows refusal through a ceremony called halizah. Most modern communities prohibit yibbum in favor of halizah. In Islam, the Quran permits the marriage if the woman consents and receives a new bride price. Some Muslim scholars recommend it to care for the widow. However, strict interpretations in places like Afghanistan have recently scrutinized the practice.

Regional customs

In Africa, groups like the Shona in Zimbabwe and the Dinka in South Sudan practice it. The Karo people in Indonesia call it turun ranjang. In India, the Mahabharata describes a famous instance involving Draupadi. Kurdish communities in Turkey and Kurdistan also observe it. Historically, Scythians and Huns practiced similar arrangements during times of economic hardship or war.

Modern changes

The custom is declining in many areas due to urbanization and improved education for women. In Somalia, civil war and stricter Islamic rulings have reduced its use. In Zimbabwe, migration has lessened its prevalence. Israel legally prohibits yibbum today. Some African nations still recognize it under customary law, though legal reforms are ongoing. The practice remains controversial due to its impact on women's autonomy.

How Levirate marriage is kept

When a man dies without children, his brother may marry the widow. The union is arranged to secure the widow's status and keep inheritance within the family. In some cultures, the widow has the right to choose which brother takes her place. If she refuses, other ceremonies like halizah may occur. The new marriage often treats the children from the first union as belonging to the deceased father's lineage.

When and where

It happens after the death of a husband who left no male offspring. The timing depends on when the death occurs and when the family arranges the new union. It is not tied to a specific season but follows the event of bereavement.

It is found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Strongholds include Israel, Nigeria, Kenya, and Indonesia. It was also present in ancient civilizations like the Inca empire and among Scythian tribes.

What Levirate marriage means

The custom symbolizes the duty of the living to care for the dead's family. It represents the continuity of the clan and the protection of vulnerable members. By keeping the widow within the family, the community ensures that land and resources do not pass to outsiders.

Who takes part

• The deceased husband's brother: Marrys the widow to continue the family line
• The widow: Accepts or refuses the marriage based on local custom
• The family elders: Arrange the union and oversee inheritance rights
• The children: Remain part of the deceased father's lineage

Then and now

The practice is fading in many regions due to urbanization and changing laws. In Israel, it is legally banned. In Somalia and Zimbabwe, social shifts have reduced its frequency. Women now often have more choice and legal protection against forced unions.

Questions people ask about Levirate marriage

See also

SambandamThe traditional matrilineal marriage alliance of Kerala's Nairs and Nambudiris.Maithil VivahThe arranged Hindu marriage of Maithils in the Mithila region, guided by Vedic texts and local customs.MatchmakingThe practice of pairing two people for marriage through an intermediary or system.SvayamvaraThe ancient Hindu ceremony where a princess picks her husband from assembled suitors

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Levirate marriage on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.