This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
Disturbing Origins of Wedding Traditions ¶
Wedding traditions are deeply ingrained in our culture, but a closer look at their origins reveals a darker side. From the cutting of the cake to the throwing of the bouquet, many customs have roots that are disturbing, weird, or even grim.
For instance, the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride the night before the wedding may seem harmless, but it originated from the days of arranged marriages when couples weren't allowed to see each other before the ceremony for fear they'd do a runner.
Similarly, the veil was introduced to protect brides from the evil eye and jealousy, and during the times of arranged marriages, the bride's face would be covered until the groom had committed to the marriage, as the fear was he'd think she was ugly and bolt for the exit.
Other customs, such as the role of the best man, have ominous origins. In the past, the best man's role was to make sure the bride didn't escape during the ceremony and to kidnap her if necessary.
Even the moment when a father passes his daughter's hand to her new groom has stark origins. The tradition dates back to the days when marriage was more of a business arrangement, and brides were handed over to a new owner, usually in exchange for money or dowry.
These customs may seem harmless today, but they have a complex and often grim history. As we explore these traditions, we'll uncover the darker side of the big day.
Published on September 17, 2019.
