Wedding Notes
Tips for Brides May'14
IT'S OFFICIAL
Legal issues related to weddings have a long history.
At one time, the mere act of living together made a man and a woman husband and wife. But
over time, unions required more legal status. As civilizations developed and matured, laws
were enacted that shaped the traditions and
requirements.
The earliest known marriage certificate in existence
is of a Hebrew marriage in Egypt in the 5th Century
B.C. By the lst Century A.D. Jewish religious laws
stipulated that a marriage without a contract was
neither proper nor legal. The certificate defined a
husband's duties and provided for the wife should
he divorce or predecease her. It detailed the date
and place of marriage and since surnames were
unknown, the bride and groom were carefully
identified. The groom was responsible for writing
the certificate, which had to be read publicly at the
wedding.
The early Christian church adopted this custom and
adapted the text by adding the obligation that the
wife "love, cherish and honor" the husband.
For ancient Romans, the kiss was a legal bond. They held a betrothal ceremony at which the
bride and groom joined right hands. The bride received a ring and then the couple kissed. The
Christian church incorporated much of the betrothal ceremony into the marriage ceremony including the kiss. It was transformed into the liturgical kiss of peace, which was to remind the
couple of the sanctity of their union.
We are reminded that marriage is both a civil/ legal union and a personal commitment of two
individuals to share their lives. Our consultants can help you understand the origins of many of
our current traditions as well as guiding you in creating some new traditions of your own.
National Bridal Service / Weddings Beautiful Worldwide