For example in ancient times bridesmaids actually dressed identically to the bride and their entire purpose was to confuse evil spirits who wanted to steal the bride’s happiness (they wouldn’t know which one she was.)
This is also the tradition behind the groom carrying the bride over the threshold. He needed to protect her from the evil spirits which were lurking beneath the threshold.
Yet another one is guests giving the newlyweds a noisy send-off after the reception. Guests would ring bells and clap loudly to discourage evil spirits from harming the couple.
A lot of other traditions were related to the concept of kidnapping or capturing the bride. The reason that the bride stands on the groom’s left side is that he needed to have his right hand free to defend himself against any men who tried to “steal” the bride from him. The groomsmen were expected to help the groom when he captured his bride and also assist in fighting off other suitors.
It’s so interesting to consider the decidedly unromantic origins of traditions that, today, people consider part of the most romantic day of your life. It’s also interesting to be reminded of the violence behind ancient weddings; the kidnapping of the bride or marrying her off against her will. The juxtaposition between the lack of agency that women in those times had with the contemporary concept that a wedding is all about the bride’s desires is
intriguing.
Have you ever thought about that juxtaposition?
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Intriguing post. It was funny to hear the origins of some of these traditions.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was really surprised by a lot of them.
ReplyDeletei certainly hope that my groom has a sword with which to protect me during the ceremony.
ReplyDeletedanielle : LOL
ReplyDelete