When I think of medieval times the first things to come to mind are dark; dirty and dank. Give me more time and I think of knights, castles and chivalry.
Sometime during the middle ages the laws of marriage were changed and women were no longer allowed to be sold, traded or bartered. That’s not to say there were no contracts written up determining who would receive what when a marriage took place. In the upper-classes marriages were often still arranged and it was still more for inheritance and property. But in the lower-classes where property and inheritance were less common, this is when weddings began to be a thing of love instead of just financial or social gain.
Betrothal was common in medieval times. Brides wore blue because it was the color of purity. There were rings and the kissing of the bride. The maid of honor originated during this time in England. Her job was to wait on the bride hand-and-foot the whole week before the wedding, make the bouquet (decorative flowers started to become tradition during these times as well) and help the bride get dressed on her day. Knights introduced the veil, another symbol of purity and also protection. And the garter was considered lucky, it was thought whichever man got it and gave it to his lover was guaranteed faithfulness.
What fun traditions and it’s so interesting that things that started so long ago are still used in some form today! We’ve still got a few eras to go through before we reach our standards and traditions today but I’m beginning to see the light.
Have an infinitely modern day!
