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The History and Tradition of Weddings
Most of the traditions associated with weddings go back very many years, often originating from superstitions.
These notes have been produced from original research carried out by Sheffield wedding
Photographer Eric Bellwood (1914-
Tying the knot or the joining of hands in marriage. In some parts of the world bride and groom where not only joined metaphorically but actually tied together. In E Africa they where bound together at the wrist with grass. The wedding ring was originally made of rush, gold being popular these days has been on occasions replaced with a curtain ring or key ring in a emergency.
The Forth finger It was thought for many years that the vein of the fourth digit went directly to the heart.
The Register It was in 1538 that Thomas Cromwell instructed the parish churches to complete records of births deaths and marriages. These had to be witnessed by the church wardens. Copies of these records where kept Somerset house in London.
Wedding gowns where not always white, for many years they where dark and even black. The white gown which signifies purity only became popular at the start of the 20th century
Cake The first bridal cakes where biscuit like, dry and unappetising, in the reign of Elizabeth I, current cakes made with eggs, butter, sugar and spice became more fashionable. A single large cake decorated with sugar made its first appearance in Charles II reign. Originally the cake was shared amongst the guests by breaking it over the brides head. Considering the weight of modern cakes, it is fortunate that the practice of cutting the cake with a knife became more popular.
Confetti is from an Italian word meaning confections or sweets, the throwing of confetti springs from the custom of breaking the wedding cake over the brides head, wheat, grains of barley and rice where also thrown as a symbol of fertility. By throwing confetti the guest are expressing a hope that the couple will be fruitful and multiply.
Toasting a piece of toasted bread is placed in goblet of wine or other liquor and then this loving cup is passed round the guests. Once the circuit was complete the host has the privilege of emptying the cup and eating the toast, drinking to the health of the bride and groom.
Honeymoon or honey month, Mead is known as the honeymoon drink, it is one of the oldest of alcoholic beverages it is made from honey and is claimed to increase male and female sexual potency astoundingly. In Babylonian times the wine of the bee was to be drunk for the month following the wedding and was supplied to the groom by the brides family
