Marriage
- stories from ancient folklore
Wedding Herbs, flowers and Veil
Bridal Outfit and Wedding DressThe bride's veil originated in the Anglo-Saxon custom of performing the marriage ceremony under a square piece of cloth, called the care-cloth, held at each corner by a tall man over the bridegroom and bride to conceal her maiden blushes. Orange BlossomOrange Blossom is commonly worn by a bride as it is an emblem of
fruitfulness.Additionally the custom may have derived from the Saracens, amongst whom
the orange blossom was regarded as a symbol of a prosperous marriage RosemaryRosemary was formerly worn very extensively at weddings, it should first be dipped in
scented water, to quote an old ballad ... | “ | Young men and maids do ready stand, With sweet rosemary in their hand,
A perfect token of your virgin's life; To wait upon you they intend, Unto the church
to make an end,
And God make thee a joyfull wedded wife. | ” |
... it was usual for the bridesmaids, on the bridegroom's first appearance on the
wedding day, to present him with a bunch of rosemary, ornamented with ribbons. | “ | Rosmarinus, the rosemary, is for married men ; the which, by name, nature, and
continued use, man challengeth as properly belonging to himself. It overtoppeth all
the flowers in the garden, boasting man's rule. It helpeth the braine, strengthened
the memorie, and is very medicinable for the head. Another property of the rosemary
is, it affects the heart. Let the ros marinus, this flower of men, ensigne of your
wisdom, love, and loyaltie, be carried not only in your hands, but in your heads and
hearts. | ” |
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