Ceremony Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
““The conduct of a new sedoretu is to some extent, and wisely, prescribed by custom and sanctioned by religion. The first night after the ceremony of marriage belongs to the Morning and Evening couples; the second night to the Day and Night couples. Thereafter the four spouses may join as and when they please, but always and only by invitation given and accepted, and the arrangements are to be known to all four. Four souls and bodies and all the years of their four lives to come are in the balance in each of those decisions and invitations; passion, negative and positive, must find its channels, and trust must be established, lest the whole structure fail to found itself solidly, or destroy itself in selfishness and jealousy and grief.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, 1969
Custom and religion guide marital intimacy, requiring consent, invitation, and trust to balance passion and prevent jealousy.
In simple terms: Marriage customs need consent and trust to avoid jealousy.
Key Takeaway
Build relationships on clear invitation and mutual trust.
Themes
marriage
consent
trust
passion
jealousy
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- arranged marriage
- cohabitation
- long‑term partnership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical intimacy
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure consent in evolving relationships?
- What role does community play in private intimacy?
A Different Perspective
Ignores personal autonomy beyond cultural prescriptions.
