Sologamy is the practice of self-marriage. This occurs when a religious ceremony takes place, creating a new union between a person's physical body and his/her spirit. Sologamy commonly takes place in African tribal societies, such as the Hutu and Por'Quatzi tribes. These African tribesmen believe that when a person enters a sologamist marriage, the human body and the spirit cease to exist separately and a new being, referred to as the "solar body," is born. Generally after the ceremony takes place, the tribe engages in three days of celebrations, including food and ceremonial dancing.
In the late 1970s, sologamy gained some popularity in America (see hippies). The "Hippie" group believed in free love and peace among all humankind, so to demonstrate their tranquility with themselves, they would privately engage in sologamy ceremonies.
Sologamy is not recognized as a legal binding contract in North America, UK or most European countries. It is however recognized by many African governments as legal due to its tribal affiliations.
Apart from being a religious ceremony, the idea of sologamy has translated into a strong and independent lifestyle. The concept of sologamy was important during the feminist movement by helping to empower women to be strong without outside assistance or the companionship of men.