Indian Boy Married to Dog
A young Indian boy was married Wednesday to his neighbor's dog to protect him from attacks from wild animals.
The ritual ceremony was held in the Jajpur district of Orissa by a priest of the Munda tribe. Over 250 tribespeople participated in the wedding service.
The marriage was prescribed after the boy, Sagula, grew a tooth on his upper gum, a bad omen which, in Munda culture, represents a vulnerability to attacks by tigers and other wild animals.
By performing the ceremony, tribespeople asked their god to bless the child and ward off evil spirits.
The boy's father told reporters that they also hoped to deflect any curse that might fall upon their family.
According to Reuters, there was no dowry exchanged for the marriage, and the boy will not have to divorce before marrying a human bride.