For some women, walking down the aisle is an important symbol for their wedding day. It is the first time guests will see the wedding dress, and it signals the beginning of a new journey. In many cultures, the father of the bride walks her down the aisle. Today, many couples adopt this custom as equalizing. But what do these traditions mean to the bride? Here are a few examples. What are the traditional traditions for walking down the aisle?
In a patrilineal society, the bride price is a pension for aged parents, while in a matrilineal system, the wife moves to the husband’s group. In many parts of Africa, the practice has become controversial, and some argue it is an important social policy. Others say it encourages slavery. Whichever definition is right for your culture, be sure to explore the custom in the communities you live in. It is likely that it will surprise you.
The maid of honor is the chief attendant of the bride, usually a close friend or sister. Traditionally, the size of the retinue corresponded to the social status of the bride’s family. A large group of bridesmaids was an opportunity to display social status and wealth. In modern times, a male friend or brother may be chosen as the bride’s chief attendant. Regardless of gender, the bride will be assisted by one or two of these women.
Other terms for the bride include “bridegroom” and “bride-bell,” meaning newly-wed. In the Middle Ages, wheat ears were commonly used as the wedding cake. Young girls would gather outside the church to throw grains of wheat over the bride. Later, the wheat grains were gathered and cooked into thin, dry biscuits. Today, oatmeal cake is common in Scotland. During Elizabeth’s reign, wheat ears were resurrected and transformed into small rectangular cakes.
Besides the veil, the bride also wears flowers. In the Western tradition, the bride wears a veil and a bouquet of flowers. Sometimes she also wears a garter. The groom then removes it. In many cultures, the bride wears a veil and a flower crown, but in other cultures, she chooses to wear a larger wedding veil. If the bride chooses to wear a veil, she should also consider wearing a large yellow veil, called a flammum.
The word “bride” is derived from the Greek and Latin words “sponsa,” which mean “definitely promised.” It was used widely in Ancient Rome. Today, the word “bride” is used to refer to a newly-wed and is associated with flowers, beautiful dresses, and great music. In early twentieth century, brides wore darker-colored dresses. Today, however, the bride is the most beautiful and important part of a wedding.
While the bride price is a customary practice in many cultures, it is not universal. While Western media depicts it as a payment to the bride, anthropologists disagree. Some cultures consider the bride price to be a compensation for the bride’s upbringing and the loss of a working class. It also serves as a means of determining the lineage of children from the husband. The bride price is paid in installments and reflects the bride’s importance to the family.