expression, noun
happy and harmonious marital relationship
A literary, idiomatic expression referring to a deeply affectionate and harmonious bond between husband and wife, often used in poetic or formal contexts.
二人は鴛鴦の契りを結び、末永く幸せに暮らした。
The two pledged a harmonious marriage and lived happily ever after.
Derived from the image of mandarin ducks (鴛鴦), which are believed to mate for life and symbolize conjugal fidelity. 契り means 'pledge' or 'vow', so the phrase literally means 'the vow of the mandarin ducks'.