Consanguinity is the relationship between two people who are related by blood or by marriage This type of relationship can range from mild to strong, and it is often associated with cultural or religious beliefs and practices. For example, certain societies may practice endogamy, which means that marriage between two people is restricted to those of similar cultural or religious backgrounds. It is also used to identify inherited genetic diseases, as family members are more likely to have similar genetics compared to the general population.
1) Royal Marriages: Historically, many royal families have practiced consanguineous marriages, as it was believed to strengthen familial bonds and ensure the continuation of their royal lineage. This practice of intermarriage among royal families is also referred to as “dynastic marriage” and can be seen in royal families such as the Habsburgs and the Romanovs.
2) Inbreeding: Inbreeding refers to the practice of mating two closely related individuals, such as siblings, cousins, or even parents and children. This type of breeding is used in order to strengthen the desirable traits present in the animals, as well as to preserve the genetic diversity of the species. While it is not necessarily recommended for humans, it does still occur, as seen in some royal families and in some isolated communities.
3) Fijian Kinship System: The Fijian kinship system is based on consanguinity and is divided into three main categories of family relationships: the blood family, the extended family, and the spirit family. This system is based on a series of symbols and rituals that are used to denote the relationships between different family members.
4) Rabbinical Marriage: In Jewish culture, rabbinical marriage is considered a type of consanguineous marriage. This practice is intended to ensure that only Jewish couples marry, as intermarriage is not permitted. It is also used to preserve the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and to ensure that children are born into a Jewish family.
5) Wahlverwandtschaften: This German term translated to “elective affinities”, and it is used to refer to the deep emotional connection between two people. This connection is often expressed through feelings of love or friendship, and it is thought to be stronger when two people share similar genetics or family histories. This type of relationship is often found between siblings, but it can also occur between people who are not related.