The completion or fulfillment of something, especially the consummation of a marriage through sexual relations.
From Latin 'consummare' meaning to sum up or complete, from 'com-' (together) and 'summa' (sum/total). The word evolved from the general sense of completion to the specific marital meaning in English.
In English law, a marriage wasn't legally binding until consummation in medieval times—this legal requirement shaped everything from annulment law to why wedding nights became so culturally important!
Historically centered on heterosexual intercourse as proof of marriage validity, with gendered responsibility (female virginity required, male agency assumed). Legal/religious frameworks made consummation a woman's burden to facilitate.
Use 'consummation' neutrally in modern contexts; in legal/historical discussion, acknowledge the gendered power dynamics and inequality embedded in consummation requirements.
["completion of marriage","intimate union"]
Women challenged consummation-based marriage laws; modern law recognizes consent and equality, rejecting coercive frameworks.
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