Why do we have bridesmaids?
The tradition of bridesmaids evolved from the custom of surrounding the Bride with other richly dressed women in order to confuse the evil spirits. This is why the bridesmaids come down the aisle first, in order to throw off the evil spirits that might come after the bride.
Why have groomsmen?
It used to be that the groom had to capture his bride on the wedding day, sometimes having to actually fend off her family. The best man was actually the best warrior that stayed by the groom's side. The rest of the groomsmen helped in the fight however they could. Whew- renting a tux doesn’t seem like that big of deal after all, right??
Why do we "give the bride away"?
In the days of arranged marriages the father, as the head of the household, would give away his daughter since daughters were considered property. It was actually the father's right to give his girl to the groom, and usually for a price.
Why does the Bride stand to the left of the groom during the ceremony?
The answer to this also goes back to the days of the captured bride. After the groom has "kidnapped" his bride, he might have to fight off other suitors that felt threatened. The groom could hold his bride with his left hand, allowing his right hand to be free to use his sword. So much potential violence!
Who started the kiss at the end of the ceremony??
The kiss at the end of the ceremony has long been considered a token of bonding. It was also seen as the exchange of spirits as each partner sends a part of their self into the new spouse's soul- I love that imagery! It was seen to seal the wedding.
Why do we decorate the getaway car?
Once again worry over evil spirits instituted a tradition. Having a noisy car (tying cans to the back) when leaving the reception was considered to frighten any evil spirits away. Also if the car was decorated, again, it might confuse evil spirits.
Well that was fun! It seems as though I need to figure out what tradition protects the photographers from the evil spirits??
4 comments:
maybe your "turtle" backpack as you call it does the job! :-)
the answer to your last question is the photographer's assistant:-)
wait, are you seeeerious? what were people THINKING? i'm thankful that i don't have to fend off groom attacks!
where was the altar photograph taken? that space looks absolutely lovely.
it is so funny how many of our traditions came to be. i always like to question the root of tradition :)
the altar you are referring to is in a historic train station in farmville, VA where we shot a wedding on valentines day. they used the fireplace, flowers and a table to create their own altar. that was a fun venue to shoot!
thanks for checking in!
Post a Comment