Roman Wedding Ceremony
Roman Themed Wedding Ceremony
Traditional Roman marriage ceremonies started with the bride-to-be renouncing her teenage life so that she could effectively make preparations for her future husband. The bride's hair style was distinctive only to brides to be. Her hair was split into half a dozen locks, and was fixed with fillets on top of her head. Like nowadays, the Roman wedding bride's marriage garments was worn only once; the most crucial piece of clothing being the flame colored, yet clear, veil which was worn on the crown of her head beneath wreaths of myrtle branches and orange blossoms. The wedding dress incorporated a straightforward tunic tied with a woolen girdle over which she was wearing a yellow-colored cloak and matching sandals.
The first part of the roman marriage ceremony would begin at the house of the bride's parents. When all was in order, her mother and father would then hand her over to her groom. This led directly to the wedding vows; an easy vow in which the young couple would grasp palms and recite their dedication to each other. From there they might go to a location of sacrifice where the bride-to-be and bridegroom would sacrifice a pig. The matron of honor would then join the bride and groom's palms collectively. In Roman marriage wedding vows and the best man also acted as the clergyman which was his duty and obligation to present the marriage agreement at the appropriate time, and to be particular that the right amount of witnesses signed it. The Roman wedding version of a reception was fundamentally part of their marriage rituals. After the marriage contract was signed there would be a huge marriage breakfast banquet which was historically compensated for by the bridegroom and, it's been reported, often lasted till sundown.
This is most likely where the early marriage wedding cake, a simple loaf of whole wheat flour, salt, and water, was utilized. At this period presents had been offered and the marriage party made prepared for the subsequent part of the marriage rite - the procession. In this procession the family and friends would lead the new bride to her new residence. This was quite the occasion. Flute players articulated the procession's progress as they relocated. Torchbearers lit the way as selected small children confirmed the way. As they traveled, and especially as they neared the bridegroom’s residence, well wishers chucked walnuts at the wedding party in a motion of their wish for the new couple's fertility. In the Interim the groom went on ahead to prepare the way for the arriving of his new better half. The bride's arrival at the new residence was the climax of the marriage rite. Before the groom could carry the new bride thru the entrance of their new home a white cloth was distributed on the ground and covered with leaves and branches. In the same way, the bride would first smear fat on the door post and tie a strand of wool to the front door posts to mark the home as her domain before the bridegroom would carry the new bride across the threshold and into their new residence.
It's not difficult to see that many of our present day conventions in marriage rites originated with the Romans and the fluctuations could make for a unusual event should any person decide to base their marriage after the traditional Roman marriage rite.