Marriage in the Middle Ages vs. Modern Day
11-21-11
Marriage in the Middle ages Vs. Modern Day A discussion of marriage in the Middle Ages including its traditions, attire, and a woman’s lack of choice in the matter will reveal to the reader the difference between Modern day and Middle Age marriages. The idea of marriage came from the bible, the book of Genesis. God saw that “it was not good for man to be alone God did not want men alone,” so he created for him a woman who would will be his special companion (Genesis 2:18). The two would form a “love union” or partnership between the man and the woman became known as marriage. Marriage in the middle ages was performed at a young age. The ages ranged from 15 for women and 30 for the men. Men had to finish military duties before being allowed to marry (History of Marriage in the Western Civilization). First, Middle Age Traditions. Many traditions came along with marriage in the Middle Ages. The beds of the newlywed had to be blessed, a bridal procession had to take place, certain honeymoons, and ring finger activities took place. Before the couple could enjoy their bed together a priest had to first pray over it in the presence of the couple’s family (Midieval Marriage Customs). Middle Age belief was that if the bridesmaids and groomsmen both wore the same clothing it would protect the marriage from evil doers. It was said that during the honeymoon stage if the couple drank mead (honey wine) for a month following the ceremony, they would be bless with a male heir (11No). If this was to come true the mead maker would receive many gifts. During this time, the wedding ring was normally worn on the thumb (Midieval Marriage Customs). Modern day marriages on the other hand had their house instead of beds blessed. There are not many traditions that go alone with weddings in this generation. One of the most common one may include “jumping the broom.” "Jumping the Broom" is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new
Marriage in the Middle ages Vs. Modern Day A discussion of marriage in the Middle Ages including its traditions, attire, and a woman’s lack of choice in the matter will reveal to the reader the difference between Modern day and Middle Age marriages. The idea of marriage came from the bible, the book of Genesis. God saw that “it was not good for man to be alone God did not want men alone,” so he created for him a woman who would will be his special companion (Genesis 2:18). The two would form a “love union” or partnership between the man and the woman became known as marriage. Marriage in the middle ages was performed at a young age. The ages ranged from 15 for women and 30 for the men. Men had to finish military duties before being allowed to marry (History of Marriage in the Western Civilization). First, Middle Age Traditions. Many traditions came along with marriage in the Middle Ages. The beds of the newlywed had to be blessed, a bridal procession had to take place, certain honeymoons, and ring finger activities took place. Before the couple could enjoy their bed together a priest had to first pray over it in the presence of the couple’s family (Midieval Marriage Customs). Middle Age belief was that if the bridesmaids and groomsmen both wore the same clothing it would protect the marriage from evil doers. It was said that during the honeymoon stage if the couple drank mead (honey wine) for a month following the ceremony, they would be bless with a male heir (11No). If this was to come true the mead maker would receive many gifts. During this time, the wedding ring was normally worn on the thumb (Midieval Marriage Customs). Modern day marriages on the other hand had their house instead of beds blessed. There are not many traditions that go alone with weddings in this generation. One of the most common one may include “jumping the broom.” "Jumping the Broom" is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new
Cited: 7 November 2011. <worldweddingtraditions.com/locations/.../united_states_traditions.html>. A Brief History of the Wedding Dress. 7 November 2011 <www.claymorreslinger.com/midieval_weddings_dress.asp>. Braddy, Veronica. Jumping the Broom. 7 November 2011 <http://www.african-wedding.com/jumping_the_broom>. History of Marriage in the Western Civilization. 7 November 2011 <http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/atlas_en/html/history_of_marriage_in_western.html>. Midieval Marriage Customs. 7 November 2011 <www.mideval-weddings.net/marriage_customs.htm>. Traditional Wedding Dress. 7 November 2011 <www.midieval-wedding.net/wedding_dresses.htm>.