In the West, dating was traditionally a stage on the road to marriage. Some cultures developed customs to emphasise this. In Germany there’s still a charming event where individuals who have reached the age of 30 and not got hitched are publicly punished. Accompanied by their friends, the offenders are taken to a local church, town hall or opera house, where the men are made to sweep the steps while the women have to clean shoe polish-covered door handles. They can only be released from these onerous tasks when kissed by a virgin of the opposite sex, possibly one who may release them from their offensive state of singledom. An all-night party generally follows.

Oh dear. I’ll see you at the Cathedral in 5 years.

(from The Independent via Apartment Therapy)