THE HISTORY AND TRADITION OF THE WEDDING VEIL
There are many stories of the origin of a bride's veil. Some say that the veil was introduced in ancient Rome. People of that era believed that evil spirits would be attracted to the bride, so they covered her face with a veil in order to conceal her features and confuse them. The definition of veil is to "obscure, shroud, mask or cover, so perhaps that is how the bridal "veil" got its name.
It's also said the in medieval times, the veil was used to protect her from "the evil eye" and was a symbol of purity, chastity, and modesty.
Others say the the origin of the bridal veil was due to the circumstances of an arranged marriage. In days past, men bargained with an eligible young lady's father for their hand in marriage. AFTER the ceremony, the veil was lifted to reveal the brides features. This was to keep a groom from backing out of the deal if he didn't like what he saw.
Some say that the veil was used in days past as a symbol of a bride's submission and willingness to obey her husband.
The Engagement Ring
This tradition dates back to classical times when it was thought that the fourth finger on the left hand contained the “vena amoris” or the “vein of love”. The idea of the engagement is attributed to the Catholics in 1215 when the Pope called for a longer time between betrothal and marriage. Basic rings of gold, silver or iron were used and gems were incorporated over the years. Gems were reserved for the aristocracy and eventually made their way into the middle class. One tradition follows that rings should use the birthstones of the bride and her parents (on the left) and the groom and his parents (on the right). It would follow mothers on the outside, fathers on the inside and the bride and groom adjacent in the center.
“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue”
Something old symbolizes perpetuity and longevity: both excellent qualities in a marriage.Something new represents optimism, happiness, and a fresh start into the future.Something borrowed represents using family and friends to help you in your relationship and that having a strong family and friend connection is key to the strength of marriage. Never being afraid to ask for help when needed.Blue has since classical times represented purity, faithfulness, love and good luck. Blue is characterized as strong, steadfast and steady: all of the things marriage is based off of. Brides used to wear something blue, or a blue ring at the bottom of their dress, to symbolize the power of blue in their future.
The Honeymoon
Associated with the tradition of the best man and the bridesmaid, when a groom would go off to capture his bride when a suitable mate could not be found in his own community, he would leave with his bride and hide for a week while they would try to get pregnant. Upon return from the honeymoon, they would have to get married as was customary with the bride who was now pregnant. Today couples opt for www.fly.com/">cheapflights to Hawaii or Tahiti as opposed to running away from friends and family.