We all know that a bride is given away by her father and that she stands on the groom’s left during the ceremony. We also commonly see the groom carry the bride over the threshold. But why? How did these traditions ever come about? And how long have they been incorporated into marriage ceremonies? To answer these questions, we must look back many generations ago.
The bridesmaids are now standing in the front, the music changes and the bride appears. At her side is her father, or another special father-figure in her life. Many years ago female children were considered their father’s property. He arranged for each daughter to marry with a man who he deemed worthy. When it came time for the ceremony, the father would “give away” his daughter to the groom. It was a transfer of property. While the father continues to give away his daughter, the concept behind this act has changed drastically. This tradition now symbolizes the father’s support for his daughter. It may extend to the support of the bride’s mother, for when the father is asked who gives this woman to be married, many fathers often respond “Her mother and I.”
The bride stands on the left, the groom on the right. Nowadays this tradition may not make much sense and simply be accepted as a norm, but years ago it was the key to a successful ceremony. History shows us that a groom captured the woman whom he desired to be his bride. If the woman had other suitors or family members who did not approve of this kidnapping, the groom would have to fight them off, literally. He stood on the right to keep his sword arm free. This is also what brought about the concept of a best man and groomsmen, for they stood by the groom to help the him fight for his bride.
After the marriage, we often see the groom sweep the bride off her feet and carry her into their house. The origins of this tradition are slightly unclear. The two most popular ones are to prevent misfortune and bad luck. To avoid any bad spirits that were lurking under the threshold, the groom carried her across it for protection. Additionally, if the bride were to stumble and fall while entering their new home for the first time, bad luck was to befall the upon newlyweds. While we may no longer be trying to avoid bad spirits and are not playing into old superstitions, carrying the bride across the threshold is a fun and romantic way for a couple to celebrate the beginning of their lives together.
