In U.S. culture, marriage is a sacred bond and a failed institution, a political debate topic, and a springboard for reality television.

There is no shortage of wedding customs. As our culture grows more diverse, so will the variety of ceremonies and interpretations.

Marriage may be a reflection of the social constructs in a culture; however, the institution of marriage is universal and cannot be bound by any one culture.

For those who do not have the time or resources to trot the globe and experience the world's vast wedding customs, the Salem Multicultural Institute provides an alternative.

Beginning in April and running through the end of July, the World Beat Gallery hosts an exhibit titled "Marriage Customs II: Jewish, Nigerian, and Mexican." The World Beat Gallery, located on the second floor of Reed Opera House at 189 Liberty Street, is an extension of the Salem Multicultural Institute and has been open since 2006.

As program coordinator, Erin Zysett is excited about the colorful display of wedding gowns, headdresses, and photos that the Salem Multicultural Institute has acquired. The process of developing an exhibit for the World Beat Gallery begins about one year prior to the opening. Zysett and her team of volunteers develop the idea, research the details, and gather firsthand knowledge from their contacts within the community to create a seamless and accurate exhibit.

“Each of these cultures has many variations on what is traditional within different groups. For example, in Nigeria there are many different tribes, each with their own set of customs,” Zysett said.

Three cultural consultants have assisted Zysett, one from each of the featured cultures. Stacy Brown consulted on the Jewish tradition, Ola Elkanah provided the Nigerian details, and Elena Pena has helped clarify what a traditional Mexican wedding looks like.

The customs are varied and colorful, from simple one-day events to week-long bashes that include the entire community. A sense of celebration is at the heart of each of these marriage customs and this exhibit provides an intimate look into each culture.

Along with their shared knowledge, the cultural consultants have also shared their personal photos and authentic wedding items for display. Each item tells a story and the Salem Multicultural Institute hopes the citizens of Salem will share in this unique window into marriage and the variety of influences that shape it across the globe.

“Then there are the Jewish traditions, which have been greatly influenced by other cultures because of diaspora,” Zysett said. “And the Mexican traditions have been influenced by immigration to the United States and colonization.”

This exhibit is the second of three focusing on the customs of marriage around the world. There will be an April 1st reception as part of Go Downtown's First Wednesday celebration. The three cultural consultants will be on hand at the World Beat Gallery to answer questions.

From intimate ceremonies that pass the flame of tradition to raucous community bashes that enliven even the most stoic onlooker, marriage customs help shed light on the fundamental human need to celebrate.

The mission of the Salem Multicultural Institute, which hosts the annual World Beat Festival, is to collaborate with public and private organizations to promote harmony and understanding through innovative, educational cultural programs and activities. Marriage Customs II: Jewish, Nigerian, and Mexican is the tenth exhibit at the World Beat Gallery. Volunteers interested in helping out at the museum can contact Zysett at info@salemmulticultural.org or visit the Blue Pepper at 5:30 p.m., May 8th for a volunteer event.