noun a public announcement, especially in church, of an intended marriage
In historical contexts, banns were an important part of ensuring the validity and legitimacy of marriages within a community.
In the context of marriage, banns refer to the public announcement of an intended marriage, typically read out in church services to notify the community.
Banns may also be required in some jurisdictions as part of the legal process for marriage, serving as a public notice of the upcoming union.
In historical fiction novels, banns may be mentioned as a way for couples to announce their intention to marry.
Banns may be studied by psychologists as a cultural practice related to marriage and relationships.
Historians may research banns as a way to understand marriage customs in different time periods.
Sociologists may analyze banns as a form of social control within communities.
Legal scholars may examine the legal implications of banns and their role in marriage laws.
Genealogists may use banns as a source of information when tracing family histories.
Clergy members may be responsible for announcing banns in their churches as part of the marriage preparation process.
Anthropologists may study banns as a cultural practice within specific societies or communities.