The
groom carrying the bride over the threshold
Ttraditionally, the bride had to enter her new home the first
time through the front door. If she tripped or stumbled while
entering it was considered to be very bad luck. Hence the tradition
of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold.
Saturday weddings
In early times, for Christians, Sunday was the original day of
choice for weddings because it was not a work day. The Puritan
revolution in England during the 17th century changed all that
- because the Puritans thought it improper to be festive on the
Sabbath. Saturday is the most popular day for wedding now.
Veil
Brightly colored veils were worn in ancient times in many parts
of the world and were considered a protection against evil spirits
Greek and Roman brides for yellow or red veils (representing fire)
to ward off evil spirits and demons. At one time, Roman brides
were completely covered with a red veil for protection.
In early European history, with the advent of arranged marriages
veils served another purpose - to prevent the groom from seeing
the brides' face till after the ceremony was over. Brides began
to wear opaque yellow veils. Not only could the groom not see
in, the bride could not see out! Therefore, the father of the
bride had to escort her down the aisle and literally give the
bride to the groom.
Today, prior to a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is the groom who
ritually "veils the bride". This reason for this tradition
goes back to the marriage of Jacob to Leah (the older sister)
when he thought he was marrying Rachel (the younger sister) whom
he loved.
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The
toast
The term originates from the sixteenth century. At that time a
small piece of bread would be placed in a goblet of wine. The
goblet would be passed from guest to guest until it reached the
person being honored who would drain the goblet and eat the morsel
of bread in the bottom. This tradition is practiced at weddings
today - usually in the form of one or more champagne "toasts".
The best man has the honor of giving the first toast. Usually
the bride and groom remain seated for the toasts while all the
guests are usually standing to honor them. The couple may then
make a few remarks thanking their families, wedding party members,
and guests. They may also "toast" each other or share
a "toast" together. Often special glass or silver goblets
are used by the bride and groom.
Wedding Bands
It is unknown when wedding bands were first worn. They were probably
made of a strong metal such as iron. (One can easily guess the
portent of an omen if a wedding band broke.) As far back as the
ancient Romans, there was a belief that the vein in the third
finger ran directly to the heart, so the wearing of rings on that
finger joined the couple’s hearts and destinies.
Stag Parties
Ancient Spartan soldiers were the first to hold stag parties.
The groom would feast with his male friends on the night before
his wedding. In this event he would say good-bye to the carefree
days of bachelorhood and swear continued allegiance to his comrades.
Wedding Dresses.
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