Why We Wed the Way We Do

The Honeymoon

April 1, 2012 in
Etsy.com handmade and vintage goods

Lisa Butterworth
Lisa Butterworth

Lisa Butterworth is a writer and editor soaking up the eternal sunshine in Los Angeles. When she's not on the hunt for the latest and greatest in girl culture as the West Coast editor of BUST magazine, she's flea marketing, taco trucking, and generally raising a ruckus.

Though weddings are as unique as the individuals getting married, the traditions involved are unquestionably routine. Their origins, however, are quite surprising.

These days, honeymoons bring to mind white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Just about every couple embarks on some version of this romantic post-wedding getaway, but its origins are, in fact, quite literal.

According to Katie Martin’s The Everything Wedding Book, the honeymoon tradition is rooted in ancient times. Teutonic couples (part of a Jutland-based Germanic tribe) would marry on the night of a full moon, then drink honey wine (known to Renn Faire enthusiasts as mead) for 30 days afterwards to honor what was widely regarded as the sweetest month of marriage.

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Having to drink on a daily basis probably doesn’t bode well for a partnership’s longevity; I’d say a week on the beach is a healthy development in this tradition’s evolution.

  • xZOUix

    Zoui from XZOUIX says:

    omg, these are lovely ideas for a daydreamers <<< <3

    11 years ago

  • jagrocks

    Jeanne Gorman from jagrocks says:

    Wonderful history on honeymoons!

    11 years ago

  • KiraFerrer

    Kira Ferrer from KiraFerrer says:

    That photograph of the Maldives is heavenly!

    11 years ago

  • Zenyth

    Michelle Westley from BlueZenythBeadwork says:

    The girl in the red swinsuit in that photo is breathtaking. Now the real trick is to keep the honeymoon going....once in awhile we have to gaze at our partner and remember those things that we fell in love with, and remember that dashing young man's soul is still underneath that now-gray hair...

    11 years ago

  • lilly0143

    Sabrina says:

    I don't know about anyone else but the picture above by Nic Adler has me captivated. I'm in complete awe of how God has created such beauty and has chosen to share it with us on a daily basis. I can't even begin to imagine what great things he has stored up in heaven for those who love him.

    11 years ago

  • lilly0143

    Sabrina says:

    Does anyone know where that photo was taken?

    11 years ago

  • lyndonelvisstar

    Janet Lloyd from Janetlloydart says:

    Looks like the abrolhos islands first thing in the morning

    11 years ago

  • AngeliquesArt

    Angelique Gordon-Stuart from VioletVanilla says:

    couldnt agree more with Sabrinas comment! :D

    11 years ago

  • fleursdeG

    fleursdeG says:

    Is there any way to get a print of Nick Adler's photo?

    11 years ago

  • vanessamatono

    Vanessa Matono from VMBarbieBoutique says:

    Interesting to read, specially because I will marry this September :)

    11 years ago

  • factory3d

    Jim Sanders from factory3d says:

    My nephew recently got married and I was trying to think of a unique gift to give him and his bride. Since they're both in musicians and do a lot of musical theater, I thought making a movie poster of their engagement picture would be something very special. It was. They loved it. Then I thought maybe others would like the same thing so I designed several that are now up on my Etsy shop. Some of the designs have a special honeymoon theme. Check them out for a unique sort of gift that will definitely be a one of a kind gift. Thanks Jim

    11 years ago