Any couple who choose to be married in a church will be used to hearing the words "until death do us part". But many people may feel that, with divorce rates soaring, the phrase has less meaning than it used to. Now one couple have taken part in an alternative ceremony in Leicester - which only blesses their union for a year and a day. Paul and Greta Weaver Smith, aged 31 and 29, were married in a Pagan ceremony at Leicester鈥檚 Castle Gardens. Listen to Jessica's interview with Paul and Greta:
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They were pronounced man and wife on 30 April by a Wiccan high priest and priestess. Traditionally couples are only married for a year and a day. But Mr and Mrs Weaver Smith, who live in Nottingham, say they intend to stay together for the rest of their lives. Paganism describes a group of modern religions based on a respect for nature. They concentrate on traditions such as ecology, goddess worship and witchcraft. Mrs Weaver Smith, who works in a health food shop, says the Pagan ceremony appealed to her and her removal worker husband because of their green beliefs. She said: "We are very passionate about nature and feel the human race is hell-bent on environmental destruction. "We try to live ethically by recycling our rubbish and things so this ceremony is just an extension of our attempt to stay in harmony with nature". |