I didn't see any mention of force in the articles.

Admittedly, there likely were attempts to verbally compel the princess (of the self-made royal family) to allow her new husband into her rooms, but no physical force. That is highly frowned upon, though only in most Gypsy circles. It’s been learned that force generally ends the marriage with a knife snuggly planted somewhere in the groom's anatomy.

From the start, Ana Maria retained the right to reject her new husband from her bed for as long as she so wished. This has been known to go on for years, though often does not, but remains the bride’s option. She knows this, and has probably known this since she was five years old. She also knows that once he is permitted by her to consummate the marriage, the option is gone. In this case, apparently she did permit Mihai to rejoin her, as the articles state.

What is not mentioned anywhere in either article is why she stormed out of the ceremony in the first place. You claim that because she did this, she is not ready for marriage -- though is happens in the U.S., with the marriage often proceeding a little later than expected. It is very likely the tantrum had nothing to do with the ceremony itself, but was spat between the betrothed.

And yes, Mary Anne, the culture does make the difference. You cannot emancipate the world, but you can continue to pick at it. I wish you luck. Gypsy culture will be a real tough nut to crack, as it (Gypsy culture, that is) really is a man’s world.

An easy cure would be the way we taught all those heathen injuns.

Hmm-m...

As I stated above:
The West will, however, probably get further involved with Gypsy beliefs and practices, until the culture is completely stamped out. Sad, but of this I'm pretty sure. After all, the West does greatly outnumber Western-Middle Easterners, so it‘s really just a matter of time.

BTW, What "Evil Traditions Of Other Religions" are you speaking of?

"Daddy ought to have both testicles cut off and have one stuffed up each nostril."

Oh, I see.

Well, maybe the media is allowed to spin certain stories to their own ends.

Cheers,
Dan