Trade of hearths

Execution

The trade of hearths is the traditional name of the Hadakin engagement and marriage. When two people like each other and decide to engage, they must give each other a gift at the same time. It must be something wearable, usually an accessory like a ring or necklace, and must cost a predetermined proportional amount of one's total wealth. The most practiced value is 1/100, but some couples may want to give 1/10 or even more to show their love. This part means that one is comfortable about sharing his wealth with their partner. Since the hadakin value balance, the values of the gifts are very important. To a successful trade of hearths, the difference in the value of engagement gifts must be compensated in the marriage ceremony, with the hearth rings. So, the one who received the more expensive gift at first must give the more expensive ring later, and vice versa. That symbolizes the wish to have a good future when married and also to show that no one in the couple is in a higher position, but that both are equals. The most close in value the gifts are, the most "lucky" the couple is considered. If one's wealth is too different from their partner, the hadakin believe that the richest is "giving too much" to the poorest, and that nature can end compensating that bringing infertility, bad luck or diseases to the family in the future.

Components and tools

For the first part, an item representing a portion of one's total wealth. Usually an easy-to-notice accessory, to show the others the engagement. For the second part the hearth rings are needed. Their value must compensate the engagement gifts' difference in value.