| A wedding is the ceremony in which
two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary
greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social
classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by
the couple, presentation of a ring or rings, and a public proclamation
of marriage by an authority figure or religious leader. Special wedding
garments are often worn, and the ceremony is followed by a wedding reception.
Music, poetry, prayer or readings from Scripture may also be incorporated
in the ceremony.
A number of cultures adopt the western
custom of a bride wearing a white dress. This tradition came to symbolize
purity in the Victorian era (despite popular misconception, the white dress
did not indicate virginity, which was symbolized by the face veil). Within
the ‘white wedding’ tradition, a white dress and veil would not have been
considered appropriate for a second or third wedding of a widow or a divorcee.
Exchanging rings may be the oldest and
most universal symbol of marriage, but the origins are unclear.[citation
needed] The ring’s circular shape represents perfection and never-ending
love. The rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and according
to tradition, symbolize the love, faithfulness and commitment of the marriage
union.
The wedding is often followed by a reception
during which the rituals include toasting the bride and groom, the newlyweds'
first dance as husband and wife, cake cutting, etc. |
