2006-07-12 00:19:49 · 5 answers · asked by Lori 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold: Why does the groom carry the bride over the threshold? There seems to be 2 explanations for this tradition of the groom carrying his bride over the threshold when entering their home as a married couple for the first time. The first is to protect the bride from evil spirits that were thought to be lying in wait under the threshold. The second explanation relates to the Roman times when it was believed that if the bride stumbled when entering the newlywed's home for the first time, it would bring bad luck and harm to their marriage. So carrying the bride across the threshold prevents this from happening. But we couldn't find anything about what happens if the groom stumbles or falls while carrying the bride. Uh oh!
2006-07-12 00:34:13 · answer #1 · answered by Dino 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a reenactment of an old tradition. Long ago, many brides were taken by being kidnapped. Carrying them across the threshhold is like "kidnapping" them to claim them as your wife. If the man could keep her for one month, it was considered a binding marriage. During that time, the man's family and friends would bring them honey cakes. That's how we get the "Honeymoon." And in Roman times, the bride and groom were given loaves of bread, since the grain was a sign of fertility. That's how the tradition of the wedding cake came about.
2006-07-12 02:25:47 · answer #2 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The threshold is a term of old for the board used to hold the wheat that was beaten to release its grains which was usually the entrance to the building. The act of carrying a new bride over it was an act of ensuring fertility for the new couple.
2006-07-12 01:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by Stephen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carring Meaning
2016-12-15 15:49:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is easier then to throw them off the balcony !
2006-07-12 00:25:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋