"Marriage: a ceremony in which rings are put on the finger of the lady and through the nose of the gentleman"

This quote by Herbert Spencer is an amusing take on the traditional wedding. He is recommending that the female is the one who is given a ring to represent the union, while the male is the one who is "executed the nose" - a metaphor for being put in a tight spot. This might be analyzed as a comment on the conventional roles of men and women in marriage, with the guy being expected to take on the more difficult responsibilities. It might also be seen as a comment on the power characteristics of marital relationship, with the female being provided a sign of the union while the male is put in a difficult position. Eventually, this quote is a humorous take on the traditional marriage ceremony and the roles of men and women in it.