Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

     It is clear that nowadays newlywed brides and grooms appear to be inseparable. Generations ago however, this was not so. It was considered lady-like for a woman to appear to be a bit hesitant in "giving herself away" to her new husband. It is because of this very custom that the tradition of "carrying the bride over the threshold" came to be.

     During Victorian times, when such customs existed, men would often carry their brides over the thresholds of their bridal chambers. By doing so, they "encouraged" their brides to go in with them. Although it was quite the forceful image back then, it is considered a quite sweet one nowadays. It is a tradition that has evolved, but has not quite faltered in general.

By Julia Dankov

Best Man

     You were just asked to be your buddy's best man at his wedding next month. You're probably feeling excited, even quite honored. You realize it's now your duty to arrange a bachelor party, write a best man speech, and maybe even bring the wedding rings to the altar. Although having such responsibilities make you a bit anxious, you know that it definitely beats what you'd have to do as best man several centuries ago; help kidnap your buddy's soon to be wife!

     The history of the best man tradition goes all the way back to the sixteenth century, when it served for a completely different purpose than it does now. Back then, it was customary for a man to marry a woman within his own community. However, if there were not enough women in the community, the men had to look elsewhere. After doing so and finding themselves a suitable wife, they would ask one of their close friends to raid the town and help kidnap the chosen woman if her family objected to the marriage proposal or anything of that sort. This close friend was called the best man! So now think about it, do those minor best man burdens sound as bad anymore?

By Julia Dankov

Poor Scottish Grooms

     Weddings are usually very elegant, luxurious events. Long white gowns and sleek black suits are worn, exquisite flowers and other decorations are arranged, classic music is played, and so on. Pre-wedding events however, aren't quite so. The Scots know this well.

     A few days before a Scottish couples' wedding, the groom is taken out by his friends. During this outing, the grooms is ridiculed at the hands of his friends in extremely public places, such as restaurants, clubs, etc. The groom is sometimes dressed up in a padded outfit to resemble a pregnant woman, and other times is the victim of silly practical jokes. By the end of the night, all the men are heavily intoxicated. In this state, and stripped of all his clothing, the groom is dropped off in front of his house by his friends. Most wouldn't consider this a very pleasant way to end a night, but the Scots would beg to differ. At least they sure know how to throw a quite unique bachelors party!

By Julia Dankov