What does the veil symbolize in marriage?

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. I dropped in lots of clever one- liners and it was a great success. This site gave me everything I needed and more.' ..."

The exact time veils became part of bridal attire is unknown, but even in biblical times they were used. In Genesis, Jacob was promised Rachel's hand in marriage. However, a heavy veil covered the face of her older sister, and he was tricked into marrying Leah first. This story emphasizes that the veil covers the bride's face. While the historical reasons for wearing a bridal veil are different than the modern ones, the tradition of wearing a wedding veil has survived time.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Arranged Marriage Purposes

   • Historically, families arranged marriages. It was not unusual for a groom to marry a woman based on her dowry. Often the families would not let the bride and groom meet until the ceremony. According to Veil U Bridal, a veil hid the bride's face so the groom could not see it until after the ceremony. Thus, it ensured that the groom went through with the ceremony because he did not have the opportunity to change his mind if he did not like his bride's appearance.

   Purity and Virginity

   • Traditionally, veils were white symbolizing the chastity of a bride. Although today white veils are acceptable for brides who have more than one marriage, historically veils were frowned upon for widows and women marrying for the second or third time. Today's bride can choose to wear a white veil regardless of previous marriages or the status of her virginity.

   Luck and Protection

   • Veils were also traditionally worn for luck and safety. Years ago, according to Veil U Bridal, some nationalities believed a veil protected the bride from evil spirits or the evil eye. The veil could also provide protection from natural forces like the wind or sun. Additionally, according to Life in Italy, during Italian weddings it was considered to bring good fortune when the veil was ripped from the bride's face.

   Bridal Submissiveness

   • In many cultures, women were subservient to men. The veil symbolized submissiveness and obedience. At the moment a groom lifted the bride's veil, he took the woman as his wife.

   Modern Day Symbolism

   • Today many brides still wear veils during their wedding ceremonies. Nevertheless, wearing a veil is a matter of choice and the meaning of the veil is not associated with folklore, spiritual beliefs or symbolic of virginity. Modern brides often view the veil as a complement to their gowns. Bridal veils are fashionable accessories associated with the happiness of getting married.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride face, associated with, does veil, does veil symbolize, symbolize marriage