Swingers far North: the Chukchi why swap wives

Each nation living far from civilization, there are traditions and customs which to the uninitiated people seem at least strange. Now, in the era of globalization, the uniqueness of small Nations, is being rapidly eroded, but some ancient pillars still remain. For example, in the Chukchi very extravagant system of marriage and family relations.

The Chukchi are an indigenous people of the far North — I live according to the laws of levirate marriage. Marriage is a tradition which allows families who have lost a breadwinner, to be without the support and livelihood. A brother or other close relative of a deceased man is obliged to marry the widow and adopt her children.

Obviously, the action of the levirate is explained by the popularity of the tradition of group marriage. Married men agree to unite families, to provide each other with labour and material support. Of course, the poor Chukchi seek to conclude an Alliance with the rich friends and neighbors.

Ethnographer Vladimir Bogoraz wrote: "Entering into a group marriage, the men sleep, not without asking, interspersed with other people's wives. Wife swap Chukchi typically restrict only one or two friends, there are, however, examples where such close relations are maintained with many".

Children born in families who are in relationships group marriage are considered brothers and sisters. And watch over all of them members of a large family. So group marriage is a salvation for childless couples: infertile man will always help to have children of his friend. And the birth of the baby for the Chukchi is always a very joyful event, regardless of who his biological father.