Wedding traditions in England

Wedding traditions in England.

1. Introduction

A wedding is a very important moment in every person's life. England is traditionally considered a conservative country. So beloved by modern youth, Valentine's Day appeared here, as well as the first marriage agencies. It turns out that back in the XVI century, English matchmakers began to compile and publish lists of men and women who are looking for their soulmate, as well as arrange special balls where those who wanted to get acquainted with the purpose of marriage were invited.

A wedding in England is an important solemn event that is held in one of the most conservative countries in the world. It was conservatism that could become the main reason for such a variety of wedding folklore. It will be very difficult for you to find at least one more country whose inhabitants were so sensitive to their own traditions, culture and history. The problem of the study is the study of the history of the emergence of English wedding traditions. Objectives of the work:

1. To study the wedding traditions of England in order to gain a deeper understanding of the society of the country whose language we are studying.

2. Find out the history of English weddings.

The object of the study is English weddings

The subject of the study is wedding traditions in England

2. From the history of English wedding traditions

Until the nineteenth century in England, the decision to marry was made by the parents or guardians of young people. They also organized the wedding. At the same time, the bride and groom often did not even know each other at the moment when the decision was made about their marriage. Often, the marriage agreement was concluded at a time when the future newlyweds were no more than seven years old. At the age of 3 to 7 years, children were even engaged. In the future, the "spouses", having reached a certain age, began to live together

However, in the 17th century it was decided that marriages concluded between people, at least one of whom has not reached 7 years, are invalid. But if both are over 7 years old, then the children could become husband and wife

In 1653, a civil law was passed, according to which a civil marriage ceremony conducted by a justice of the peace was required for the official status of marriage. At the same time, it was necessary to provide a certificate of a public wedding from the parish church. If one of the newlyweds was under 21, they needed a certificate from their parents. During the civil ceremony, the exchange of rings was prohibited.

Since 1753, only those marriages that were concluded in the Anglican Church, which has a special registration, have been recognized as legal. Until 1990, it was possible to get married in a church only in the county where one of the future spouses lives. That is, it was impossible to get married secretly on someone else's territory, because the marriage would have been declared invalid.

3. English wedding traditions.

3.1. The Church

When the bride entered the church, she was sprinkled with wheat. Similar wedding traditions have existed and still exist among many peoples. Nowadays in England, too, sprinkle the bride, but not alone, but together with the groom. And not at the entrance, but at the exit, when the young people have already got married. And they are sprinkled mainly not with wheat, but with colored rice, colored confetti, rose petals, etc.

3.2. Honeymoon

In ancient times, a honey drink was brewed for a wedding for the young. The newlyweds were given a honey drink. It is believed that the origin of the term "honeymoon" dates back to the days when men abducted their future wives. Then the couple had to hide from the bride's parents until the wedding. The newlyweds remained on the run for another lunar cycle after the wedding. During this period they drank honey wine.

3.4. Marriage

A wedding motorcade, which usually consists of rolls-royces or retromobiles, goes to the church. And limousines are chosen very rarely.

In front of the bride walking to the altar (today brides increasingly prefer to walk to the altar on their own, without a father nearby), a flower girl is walking, scattering flower petals.

Immediately after the wedding ceremony, a photo shoot is arranged with all the guests. As a rule, group photos are taken near the church where the young people were married. But if the weather is bad outside, it is allowed to take pictures in the walls of the church.

3.5. The Veil

Traditionally, it was believed that brides were the most vulnerable to the influence of evil spirits, and therefore many traditions and customs associated with weddings were designed, first of all, to provide the bride with the necessary protection.