Significance of Sister-in-law
Sister-in-law is a term with varied interpretations across different cultural and religious contexts. In Jainism, it refers to figures like Jitashatru's brother’s wife involved in childbirth. In South Asia, it encompasses the role of elder brothers' wives in family dynamics and household responsibilities. Meanwhile, Vaishnavism highlights familial connections through siblings' spouses. Additionally, historical accounts depict her involvement in financial and emotional family matters. The term also connects to domestic issues and relational dynamics, emphasizing its complexity in human relationships.
Synonyms: Brother's wife, Sister by marriage
In Dutch: Schoonzus; In Finnish: Käly; In Spanish: Cuñada; In German: Schwägerin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sister-in-law'
In Buddhism, the term "Sister-in-law" may symbolize an influential figure who plays a crucial role in familial conflict, as evidenced by her involvement in orchestrating a plot against her elder brother.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The men explained they were sent to kill the elder brother at the instance of this person, indicating her role in the plot.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sister-in-law'
In Hinduism, a sister-in-law embodies multiple roles, including a sibling's wife, familial connections, and specific cultural references such as Nananda. Additionally, she may face societal challenges based on procreation norms and relationships with in-laws.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The wife of one's sibling, relating to familial connections.[2]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Subhadra, who is mentioned in the context of the familial relationships and the resulting grief of their battles.[3]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The sister of one's spouse, considered an outcast due to non-compliance with procreation rules.[4] (2) The female spouse of one's sibling, referenced in relation to the contentious practices surrounding her potential marriage to a brother-in-law.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The spouse of one's sibling, highlighting familial connections.[6]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) Referred to as Nananda, indicated by showing the Stri hand with the left following the Bhartri-bhratri gesture.[7]
Jain concept of 'Sister-in-law'
In Jainism, the term "sister-in-law" signifies the wife of Jitashatru's brother, indicating her role and involvement in childbirth events, reflecting familial connections and responsibilities within the community.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The wife of Jitashatru's brother, who is also involved in the childbirth events.[8]
The concept of Sister-in-law in local and regional sources
The term "Sister-in-law" encompasses various familial roles and dynamics within the text, representing relationships that can range from supportive and nurturing to adversarial and complicated, reflecting the complexities of family life and interactions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This phrase refers to Meenakshi, which is the sign of their relationship, and a family tie.[9] (2) This person was a relative of Sundari, who was as masterful as anna himself, and she was a source of potential trouble for Sundari.[10] (3) Sister-in-law refers to Chitralekha in the context of her relationship to Aniruddha as a member of Usha's family.[11] (4) A relative of Sukanta's, who says that cigarette-smokers have an offensive odor in their breath.[12] (5) The widow of Gowri's elder brother, who sought financial claims on the family property, creating further complications.[13]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A term used by the boy's eldest brother and his wife when addressing the supernatural being in an attempt to retrieve the item.[14] (2) Palo, who perceived a disrespectful call from Ret Mongla, believed she was insulted.[15] (3) The younger brother's wife who was reported to be having an affair.[16] (4) Ledha's relative who coaxed him into revealing the secret about the leopard.[17] (5) The wife of the elder brother, who prepares breakfast and calls for the younger brother.[18]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The wife of one's brother, who expresses concern about the individual's lifestyle and actions.[19] (2) Santaji’s wife’s relative, who showed concern for her wellbeing and offered her food.[20]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The relative of Mr. Bradley, who had the author sit for a picture, indicating a personal interaction and the creation of a portrait.[21] (2) The relation to Mr. Bradley, who had the writer sit for a picture, suggesting a connection to the writer.[22]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The sister-in-law is the wife of the younger brother, who initially provides the elder sister with a stale cake and chaff, but later demonstrates kindness by including money in a packet of rice.[23] (2) A character who inquires about the woman’s newfound wealth and prosperity after witnessing the changes in her home.[24] (3) The wife of one of the elder or younger brothers, who is responsible for tending to the household while others are away.[25] (4) Refers to the wife of one of the elder brothers or a female in-law in the context.[26] (5) A term used by the Pied Robin to call for assistance in pounding flour.[27]
The concept of Sister-in-law in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Sister-in-law" pertains to a spouse's sister, highlighted in a study indicating her involvement in domestic violence cases, accounting for 32% of instances analyzed.