Levirate and Sororate

Poster for the movie 'Loving Leah'The levirate and sororate are customs that allow marriages (and alliances) to survive the deaths of the individuals involved in them.

In the levirate, a wife marries her late husband's 'brother.'

In the sororate a deceased wife is replaced by her 'sister.'

Next: Wealth exchanges at marriage

picture: Loving Leah is a 2009 movie in which a New Yorker decides that it is his responsibility to marry his deceased brother's widow. Heartwarming action ensues.