I get it. Everything has its roots or origins in something. It may be that the "something" is not in agreement with your particular ethics or religious beliefs. So, what do most people do? They MODIFY it to fit. Let's look at the word "culture". Culture is defined as, "the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social groups." The use of the word manifestations in this definition is no accident. It speaks of a natural evolution that occurs among groups of people. The use of the word achievement is no accident either. Humans innately strive. Whether it be for good or evil, we are perpetually attempting to improve our state of being.
The United States of America is a blend of indigenous people and immigrants from all over the world. People bring culture and traditions with them. New traditions are created when an individual sees something they like or agree with and begins to practice it themselves. Tradition is defined as, "the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way." Let's take a look at the components of a wedding.
What is the origin of the word wedding? "Wedding" literally meant the purchase of a bride for breeding purposes. The word wedding comes from the root meaning to "gamble" or "wager". The Anglo-Saxon word "wedd" meant that the groom would vow to marry the woman, but it also meant the money or barter that the groom paid the bride's father. This is believed why it is still customary for the father-of-the-bride to "give away" his daughter.
Why do brides wear white at weddings? The tradition of a white wedding dress is commonly credited to Queen Victoria's choice to wear a white court dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. For almost two centuries, western brides have worn white wedding dresses and probably never knew where the tradition came from. Through the years, the color white was adopted to mean things from virginity to newness. Prior to Queen Victoria's wedding, white was worn as a color of mourning.
Why is there music during weddings? The wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter Victoria, to Prince Fredrick William of Prussia in 1858 introduced choral music to the processional when standard practice had been to have music of any kind only during a party after the wedding ceremony.
What is the origin of the aisle runner? The use of an aisle runner originated out of superstition. It was used as a barrier, protecting the bride and groom from evil spirits that were believed to live under the church floor. Practically, the aisle runner provided a clean area for the bride to walk upon in early days when roads were not paved, as guests could track in a lot of dirt and mud. Traditionally, a white aisle runner symbolizes a “pathway of purity” or walking on “holy ground”. The aisle runner is rolled down the aisle for the entrance of the bride and the bridal party.
What is the origin of flowers being carried come from? Carrying flowers by the bride has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were thought to ward off and drive away evil spirits, bad luck and ill health. Garlic and chives were popular for the same reason. During Roman times, this tradition was extended, with the bride and groom wearing floral garlands signifying new life and hope for fertility. The groom is supposed to wear a flower that appears in the Bridal Bouquet in his buttonhole. This stems from the medieval tradition of a Knight wearing his lady's colors, as a declaration of his love.
My point is that custom, culture and tradition are ever evolving components to human life. Try not to be so quick to judge whether it be wrong or right for society based on its origins. PLEASE research it, ask questions about it, however, be wise in your judgement of it.
Otnes, Cele & Pleck, Elizabeth (2003). Cinderella Dreams: the Allure of the Lavish Wedding. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 31.
Howard, Vicky (2006). Brides Inc.: American Weddings and the Business of Tradition. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 157–159.
"Wedding Traditions: The Aisle Runner." Majestic Gardens. Majestic Gardens, 1 Apr. 2013. Web. 26 Dec. 2015.
Why do brides wear white at weddings? The tradition of a white wedding dress is commonly credited to Queen Victoria's choice to wear a white court dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. For almost two centuries, western brides have worn white wedding dresses and probably never knew where the tradition came from. Through the years, the color white was adopted to mean things from virginity to newness. Prior to Queen Victoria's wedding, white was worn as a color of mourning.
Why is there music during weddings? The wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter Victoria, to Prince Fredrick William of Prussia in 1858 introduced choral music to the processional when standard practice had been to have music of any kind only during a party after the wedding ceremony.
What is the origin of the aisle runner? The use of an aisle runner originated out of superstition. It was used as a barrier, protecting the bride and groom from evil spirits that were believed to live under the church floor. Practically, the aisle runner provided a clean area for the bride to walk upon in early days when roads were not paved, as guests could track in a lot of dirt and mud. Traditionally, a white aisle runner symbolizes a “pathway of purity” or walking on “holy ground”. The aisle runner is rolled down the aisle for the entrance of the bride and the bridal party.
What is the origin of flowers being carried come from? Carrying flowers by the bride has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were thought to ward off and drive away evil spirits, bad luck and ill health. Garlic and chives were popular for the same reason. During Roman times, this tradition was extended, with the bride and groom wearing floral garlands signifying new life and hope for fertility. The groom is supposed to wear a flower that appears in the Bridal Bouquet in his buttonhole. This stems from the medieval tradition of a Knight wearing his lady's colors, as a declaration of his love.
My point is that custom, culture and tradition are ever evolving components to human life. Try not to be so quick to judge whether it be wrong or right for society based on its origins. PLEASE research it, ask questions about it, however, be wise in your judgement of it.
Otnes, Cele & Pleck, Elizabeth (2003). Cinderella Dreams: the Allure of the Lavish Wedding. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 31.
Howard, Vicky (2006). Brides Inc.: American Weddings and the Business of Tradition. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 157–159.
"Wedding Traditions: The Aisle Runner." Majestic Gardens. Majestic Gardens, 1 Apr. 2013. Web. 26 Dec. 2015.
