One major step in the seduction of women in seventeenth century Spain was the promise of marriage. This promise of marriage was what helped many men seduce women into having premarital relations because marriage was so substantial to women in the seventeenth century. Marriage was what kept women honorable, even after a wrong had been committed. If a woman engaged in pre-marital relations with a man, it was then her obligation to obtain a promise of marriage and then make sure the man followed through with his promise. If he didn't follow through or no promise had been made, the woman's entire reputation would then be ruined.
Men often followed through on their promise of marriage. For men, the promise of marriage was a sign that they were honorable and trustworthy because no honorable man had pre-marital sex with any woman they were not engaged to. Also, by promising marriage, men were also in a sense bound to keep their promise. Keeping promises was what made a man trustworthy to his fellow friends as well as the rest of society.
Nothing other than a simple oral promise was given when men promised marriage. Rings, presents, jewelry, food, and money were all given during the courtship phase because a man's word was as good as even the most expensive present. However, over time, oral promises lost some of their meaning, and promises were more commonly written down on paper instead. After written promises lost some of their meaning as well, rings were given to signify the couple's eternal love and committment to each other.
Men often followed through on their promise of marriage. For men, the promise of marriage was a sign that they were honorable and trustworthy because no honorable man had pre-marital sex with any woman they were not engaged to. Also, by promising marriage, men were also in a sense bound to keep their promise. Keeping promises was what made a man trustworthy to his fellow friends as well as the rest of society.
Nothing other than a simple oral promise was given when men promised marriage. Rings, presents, jewelry, food, and money were all given during the courtship phase because a man's word was as good as even the most expensive present. However, over time, oral promises lost some of their meaning, and promises were more commonly written down on paper instead. After written promises lost some of their meaning as well, rings were given to signify the couple's eternal love and committment to each other.