Parallel vs Cross Cousins
Parallel and cross cousins play significant roles in some cultures, particularly in terms of marriage customs. In general, cousins are relatives related through blood connections, specifically consanguine relations. Parallel cousins are those coming from the same-sex siblings of one’s parents, such as the children of a father’s brother or a mother’s sister. Cross cousins, on the other hand, are from the opposite-sex siblings of one’s parents, such as the children of a father’s sister or a mother’s brother.
Key Takeaways
- Parallel cousins come from the same-sex siblings of one’s parents, while cross cousins come from the opposite-sex siblings of one’s parents.
- Parallel cousins are often referred to as “brothers” or “sisters,” whereas cross cousins are called “brother-in-law” or “sister-in-law.”
- Marriages between parallel cousins are generally considered taboo, while cross-cousin marriages are accepted in many cultures.
Who are Parallel Cousins?
Parallel cousins come from the same-sex siblings of one’s parents. This includes the children of a father’s brother (paternal uncle) or a mother’s sister (maternal aunt). In kinship terminologies, male parallel cousins are often called “brothers” and female parallel cousins are called “sisters.” Most societies regard marriages between parallel cousins as incest taboos since they are considered similar to one’s own siblings. However, some pastoral communities allow marriages between parallel cousins, believing that such unions help keep family properties within a lineage.
Who are Cross Cousins?
Cross cousins are the children of one’s parents’ opposite-sex siblings. This includes the children of a father’s sister (paternal aunt) or a mother’s brother (maternal uncle). In kinship terminologies, male cross cousins are referred to as “brother-in-law” and female cross cousins are called “sister-in-law.” Despite the taboo surrounding parallel cousin marriages, many cultures encourage cross-cousin marriages as a way to keep family properties within the family unit. However, modern times have seen a decrease in support for cross-cousin marriages due to the potential spread of genetic diseases to offspring.
What is the difference between Parallel and Cross Cousins?
Both parallel and cross cousins are consanguine relatives, and one can have these types of cousins from both the mother’s and father’s sides of the family. The primary differences between parallel and cross cousins are:
- Parallel cousins come from parents’ same-sex siblings, while cross cousins come from parents’ opposite-sex siblings.
- Parallel cousins are typically referred to as brothers and sisters, while cross cousins are known as brother-in-law and sister-in-law.
- Marriages between parallel cousins are largely considered incest taboos, while cross-cousin marriages are generally accepted.
