Origins of Marriage Rituals

Whether held in a Gothic cathedral or a Grecian temple, wedding conventions of yesteryear still exist.

Cultural gaps and geographical gulfs aside, modern-day wedding rituals are a coalesce of global taboos and traditions. While the history behind many current customs have been forgotten, their meanings still resonate in significant, albeit subtle, ways. Understanding the reason behind the conventions, however, can make the day of I Do that much sweeter.

Veil

The usage of bridal veils has since evolved into the superstition that a groom should not see his soon-to-be wife until she walks down the aisle.

Rooted in the medieval epoch, the veil was a symbol of womanly submission and male dominance. By concealing herself while walking down the aisle, the bride demonstrated compliance to her husband by letting him lift the veil. If she were to lift the veil in advance, she would, in essence, taint the solemnity of the union. From this practice came the notion that a bride should not be seen by the groom, nor the groom's entourage prior to speaking the official vows.

Bridesmaids

While the role of a bridesmaid is a modern-day homage to the bride's friends, in the past they were reminders that the bride was taken.

While the contemporary custom of choosing bridesmaids is to select and honor a bride's nearest and dearest friends, the usage of bridesmaids stems from superstition. In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were, in a sense, decoys, meant to waylay and confuse wicked spirits so that they would not abduct nor hex the bride. During the Middle Ages, bridesmaids were symbols to remind lascivious men that the bride was taken, and their service to her was proof.

The Best Man

The role of best man originated from the need to help a groom fight against his absconded bride's family.

Though today's best man cuts a debonair figure, the role of best man has ruffian and rowdy roots. Throughout the Middle Ages, brides-to-be were often kidnapped, either by enemies of their fathers or due to the simple fact that fertile women were scarce. During the wedding, a "best man's" role was less ceremonial and more in the vein of a protector, in case the bride's family appeared, armed and ready to battle.

Wedding Rings

The circular construct of the symbolizes eternal love and fidelity.

Placing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand has become so commonplace that few ask why that hand and why that finger. Apothecaries of the medieval era believed that it was the fourth finger on the left hand that had the most vital connection to the heart. The reason behind the ring in the first place was because the ring's circular construct symbolized never-ending unity and eternity, as well as a unending commitment of love and harmony.

Ring Bearer and Flower Girl

Children's participation in weddings has always been a sign of new beginnings and innocence.

While normally secluded from ceremonial festivities in the days of yore, children were important during wedding ceremonies. Their participation of spreading flower petals or carrying the soon-to-be-husband-and-wife's wedding ring was a sign of innocence and new beginnings.

Giving Away the Bride

While today's father of the bride serves a symbolic role, it was once a purely pragmatic motion.

Centuries ago, when a father "gave" the bride away, it was not a sentimental act, but a practical and financial gesture. Like all women, daughters were second-class citizens, no matter their social status or ancestry. While, by contemporary standards, giving the bride away is a bittersweet moment between father and daughter, the custom originated from the practice of a father signifying that his daughter and property was now handed over to her husband and subject to her husband's will.

References

• Breakdown of Marital Traditions
• Marriage Traditions by Country
• Wedding Folklore