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British Wedding Traditions

by Shai Coggins on May 17th, 2005

I married a Brit. But, I have to admit, I didn’t know much about British Wedding Traditions until I read this. It’s pretty interesting - it tells of the history and practices in weddings/marriages from a long time ago.

Did you know that brides used to get kidnapped, as part of the proposal/engagement tradition? And, back then, families demand payment from the groom (much like a dowry).

It’s also interesting to read this pagan verse, which tells of people when is the best month to marry:

Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind & true,
When February birds do mate, You wed nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know.
Marry in April when you can, Joy for Maiden & for Man.
Marry in the month of May, and you’ll surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you’ll go.
Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see
Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember.
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.

Hmmm… Now I’m interested to know more about wedding histories and traditions worldwide. If you know anything about this, please share them here. Thanks!

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POSTED IN: Wedding Traditions and History