The past revisited In medieval times, marriage between a man and a woman was regarded as legally and socially binding until death. Escape from marriage was only possible if the union could be proved invalid, which was not an easy task unless it could be established that the couple were under age when they wed. However, by today`s standards, the medieval age of consent seems abnormally young. Girls were considered `game` for marriage at the age of twelve, while boys had to wait until they were fourteen! In those times, the principal purpose of marriage was to formalise the transfer of property from the father of the bride to her groom. Very often, the couple barely knew each other, and `Love` was relegated to the backseat in favour of more mercenary motives. In general, only peasants, who were free from the trappings of status and property, were able to marry for love.

For most cultures, `marriage by capture` was the common method of procuring a bride during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The man would usually seek out his `prey` at annual festivals held by the village people. Once he had abducted the unsuspecting victim, a fee would be paid to her brother, the defender of her virginity, and the agreement would be sealed by untying the young girl`s locks.

However, the Northern Europeans strongly condemned marriage by force, and were the first to insist on drawing up a document to prove the consent of the bridal couple. Over time, this formality evolved into the marriage vow and the signing of the register before witnesses.

In Anglo-Saxon England, a `bride-price` was instated, and the agreed sum would secure transfer of the bride from the father to the suitor, also entitling him to full rights over her property. While some sources note that the fee was paid to the bride`s father, there were apparently instances where the money was paid to the bride herself, or given to her by her father once he had collected it from the groom. Despite the rather commercial nature of the `bride-price`, the custom is still practiced by many people today. Nowadays, however, it is generally viewed less as a commercial transaction, and more as a way to for the bride`s family to ensure that she is safeguarded from financial strain. In many parts of Europe, sexual consummation was required in order to seal the marriage contract. For this purpose, a blessing ceremony was often performed over the bridal bed and holy water was sprinkled over the linen. After the marriage ceremony the couple, followed by a boisterous procession booming with loud music and cheering, would head for the bridal bed. In Medieval Europe, it was believed that anything worn by the bride was lucky, and guests would almost accost her in order to claim a piece of her garb. It is perhaps from this tradition that the customs of throwing the garter and bouquet originate. By throwing these items, the bride managed to keep the crowds at bay and escape with her groom to the bridal chamber. When they were confined to the bedroom, the rest of the party enjoyed a sumptuous, lively feast in another room of the house. Once the contented couple emerged, a piece of wedding cake would be broken over the bride`s head for good luck, and the couple would drink a toast to each other from the same cup.

One ceremony that gained popularity during the middle ages was known as `Handfasting`. During this ceremony the couple would literally have their hands joined and tied together, symbolically representing the inextricable nature of their union to all that attended the service. In Anglo-Saxon England, this rite may have performed the role of an engagement, and not the marriage itself. Essentially, it was seen as a pledge between two people to act for all intents and purposes, as one. The marriage ceremony may have followed immediately after, but usually there would be an interval of exactly one year and one day between the two occasions. Apparently, the reason for the waiting period was to give the couple some time to acquire wealth, or to become of the right age for marriage.

Nowadays, medieval style weddings are growing in popularity, and many of these traditions have been revived in order to add a touch of romance to conventional wedding ceremonies. The handfasting service is one such tradition, singled out for its simplicity and romantic symbolism. The bride and groom face each other, cross arms and hold hands. The best man will then bind their hands with ribbon or cloth, so that together they form the sign for infinity. Then, while gazing into each other`s eyes, the couple exchange their vows.

Many couples favour medieval-themed marriages for their colourful, vibrant flavour. Usually, the bride and groom decide whether they want a noble affair, or the more casual, hearty peasant style. For men, noble attire may include tights and gold brocaded tunics, or shiny armour. For women, the options are vast and highly theatrical. Jewel coloured garments, such as emerald or burgundy, and rich, lustrous fabrics, such as velvet or satin, are best. The period also calls for tight-fitting, low-cut bodices and numerous petticoats. Medieval `peasant` attire with its natural, outdoorsy feel, is also an option worth considering. Women wear simple flowing dresses and sandals - men wear ruffled blouses, baggy cotton pants, leather boots and a belt. The groom may also carry a sword to protect his bride from harm.

Photograph supplied of Greensleeves

Article source: LifeWorld