It's not just a custom; it's a mitzva (command) from the Torah (Deuteronomy ch.25). It is done only if the brother had no children.
Today we don't perform this mitzva because of the fear that we'd be doing it for purposes of enjoyment rather than the pure fulfillment of the command. If done for less-than-pure motives, it reverts to incest.
Taking on thy brother's wife typically refers to the act of marrying the widow of one's deceased brother, a practice known as levirate marriage. This custom is rooted in various cultural and religious traditions where the surviving brother is expected to marry his deceased brother's widow to continue the family lineage and provide for her.
Both Mahlon and Chilion were deceased sons of Naomi. Boaz was performing a duty according to the custom of the day by marrying the widow Ruth to raise up an inheritance for Naomi and the family of her husband..
It is legal for a man in France to marry his widow's sister. These people are not related and there is no problem with marrying.
In Greece, people are allowed to marry three times in church, therefore marrying a widow presents no special problem.
In the Bible, marrying your brother's widow is known as levirate marriage. It is mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy, where it is considered a duty for a man to marry his brother's widow if his brother dies without children. This practice was meant to ensure that the deceased brother's name and lineage would continue.
If you like. You have no blood relation.
In many cultures and religions, marrying your brother's widow is considered taboo or sinful. It is important to consider the beliefs and customs of your community before making such a decision.
If it's his widow...he's dead; he ain't marrying anybody!
One of the cultural practices pointed out in The Black Hermit is the brother's marrying the widow of their deceased brother.
The cast of The Three Brothers - 1915 includes: Cora Drew as The Widow Gaudet
Hansel and Gretel, by the Brothers Grimm.
In the Bible, marrying your ex brother-in-law is addressed in the context of levirate marriage, where a man is expected to marry his deceased brother's widow to provide for her. This practice is mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament. However, the Bible does not specifically address the situation of marrying your ex brother-in-law in other circumstances.