The
Wedding Party
by: Tom
Tsatsos,
www.theamericanwedding.com
In ancient
times, brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil
spirits, so in order to protect the bride, her friends were
richly dressed in costumes similar to the bride's and acted as
decoys to confuse the evil spirits.
It was
once common for the bride and groom, as well as their friends,
to walk to the church on the morning of the wedding. Afraid that
a spurned suitor would try to place a curse on the bride and
groom, their friends would garb themselves similar to the bride
and groom in order to trick the evil wishers.
Today,
the function of the bridesmaid is to be a support to the bride
as well as her confidant and friend.
Have you
ever wondered about the purpose of groomsmen? Legend has it that
this came about during ancient times when women were in short
supply and a man had to literally kidnap his bride from her
village, clan or tribe. The groom-to-be would bring along his
'best men' to help fight off angry family members or from
competing suitors.
The best
man of days-gone-by was responsible for more than the wedding
ring. Since there remained a threat of the bride's family
attempting to forcibly gain her return, the best man stayed by
the groom's side throughout the marriage ceremony, protecting
the bride and groom from any threats. He also served as a sentry
outside the newlyweds' home.
It is
believed to bring good luck to the groom if the best man
arranges for the groom to carry a good luck charm in his pocket
on his wedding day. It is also considered good luck for the best
man to pay the officiant's fee in an odd sum.
Nowadays,
the role of the groomsmen and best man has been confined to the
honorary positions.
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