An Attempt to Date
the Traditions of Marriage
January 27, 2014
Apprentice Sarah Louise
introduction
I read with some amusement Master's critique of Apprentice Graham's last paper researching Ba'al Worship. I agree that Apprentice Graham tries and, in fact, I've found Apprentice Graham to be very trying. However, intention and result are not to be confused. Apprentice Graham's failed attempt of understanding Ba'al worship is, as Master pointed out, riddled with anachronisms and the paper seems naïve.
Clearly, naivete is not a hallmark of an occultist, apprentice or otherwise. As Master remarked, Apprentice Graham seems to believe that he writes for a website named "Some People Call Me The Greatest Philologist of the Twenty First Century". It is in this vein that I offer the following treatise on the traditions of marriage. As always, I utilized the Oxford English Dictionary.
Due to the size of the number of entries (over 200), I have divided the topics into various sections dating with ending dates of 1350, 1500, 1550, 1650, 1800 and the present. The third column indicates if the word is circa (c) or around (a) the date. In some instances, there is a range of dates for the word. Words referenced in the commentary are in bold.
Clearly, naivete is not a hallmark of an occultist, apprentice or otherwise. As Master remarked, Apprentice Graham seems to believe that he writes for a website named "Some People Call Me The Greatest Philologist of the Twenty First Century". It is in this vein that I offer the following treatise on the traditions of marriage. As always, I utilized the Oxford English Dictionary.
Due to the size of the number of entries (over 200), I have divided the topics into various sections dating with ending dates of 1350, 1500, 1550, 1650, 1800 and the present. The third column indicates if the word is circa (c) or around (a) the date. In some instances, there is a range of dates for the word. Words referenced in the commentary are in bold.
up to 1350
800
950 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1075 1100 1200 1205 1225 1225 1230 1230 1292 1297 1300 1300 1300 1303 1303 1315 1325 1330 1338 1338 1345 1350 |
wedded 1.
bridelope bride 1.a. a woman at her marriage bridegroom 1. a man about to be married a. brydegome wed 3. to marry wedding 1. wedlock 1. bridal 1. wedding feast or festival bridely wed 5. to be joined in wedlock wedlock 2.b. wed 6. to enter into a matrimonial state wedlock 2. wedded 1.b. wedlockhood dower 1. deceased husband's estate which the law allows to his widow for her life wed 3.b. to wed a wife bigam(e) wedding 2. wedlock 2.d. betroth 1. to engage (a woman) in contract of marriage matrimony 1. betrothing-the action of giving a pledge or engagement to marry matrimony 2. espousal 1.a. elope 1a. of a wife to run away from her husband in the company of a paramour elopement bigamy 2 remarriage after the death of first wife or husband bigamy 1.marriage with a second wife or husband during the lifetime of the first |
Nothing before the year 1350 is surprising, as we have wedlock (1000), wed 6.(1225) and wedlock 2. (1225) and a host of ancient words regarding marriage. As historians relate, marriage has not changed in a thousand years.
The above list, however, includes one surprise: in 1338, to elope means a wife leaves her husband with her lover. The tradition of elopement continues today. As a philologist, one must be careful with ancient documents, to wit, one may not be able to discern between bigamy (1345) and bigamy (1350).
The above list, however, includes one surprise: in 1338, to elope means a wife leaves her husband with her lover. The tradition of elopement continues today. As a philologist, one must be careful with ancient documents, to wit, one may not be able to discern between bigamy (1345) and bigamy (1350).
1351-1500
1374
1375 1375 1377 1380 1380 1382 1385 1386 1386 1397 1400 1400 1422 1425 1430 1439 1440 1440 1440 1450 1450 1470 1471 1471 1474 1475 1475 1480 1483 1483 1490 1490 1494 |
wed 4.b. to give in marriage
bigamus, bigami (pl) wed 1.c. nupital pledge wedlock2.c. bryde clopis matrimony 1.b. dower 2.b money or value given by the man to his brides realtions for her father in law weddyng ryng- wedding ring dower 2. money or property which the wife brings to the husband wed 7. to unite in marriage brydale howse wedlock 4.b. wedlock 4 annul 3. to destroy the force or validty of annul 2. to put an end or stop to weddyng gown (sic) bride 2. in the 15th and 16th century denoting also a bridegroom mother in law wed 4. to bind in wedlock fiance 1.b. weddynge robe weddyndor-(sic) conjugate 1. join together consummate a1. completed espouse 2. espouse 1.a. matrimonial 3.b. espousee fiance b. weddyng howse-wedding house espouse 1.b. nuptial A1. divorce 1. |
The wedding ring (1386) and wedding gown (1439) make their initial appearnce. The above list shows two definitions for dower. In 1382, dower was the given to the bride's family, but in 1386, a dower now has the meaning of what was given to the husband. We learn that in the 15th and 16th century bride also was the word for our word for "bridegroom". The traditions of dower and bride have not been agreed upon by the end of the 16th century. The joy of having a father in law (1385) and a mother in law (1440) are well documented in ancient times. We are left to wonder if there is a difference between a bridal house (1400), wedding house (1483) and wedding chamber (1552).
1501-1550
1519
1525 1526 1526 1530 1530 1530 1530 1530 1530 1531 1531 1532 1532 1540 1540 1540 1542 1545 1546 1549 1550 1550 |
doweress-a widow holding a dower
maid Marian bridegroom 1. a man about to be married b. bridegroom divorcement 1. bride 1. to play or act the bride conjugate (grammer) consummate 2. of marriage consummation 1b. completion of marriage by sexual intercourse dowager-widow who is in the enjoyment of some title or some property wedding kirk-wedding church annul- to divorce espousing bride bed-marriage bed matrimonial A 1. betrothed 1. engage for marriage consummate 2. to complete marriage by sexual intercourse wedding garment weddyng fynger-wedding finger conjugal-of or relating to marriage honey moon (sb) first month espousage bride house congugal b. of or pertaining to husband or wife in their relation to each other |
To distinguish between the female bride and male bride, bridegroom denoting the man enters the language in 1526. Wedding kirk (church) appears in 1530 and a year later annul enters the language. We are on firm ground to state that church weddings and bridegrooms have a long tradition in marriage. Catherine of Aragon's marriage to Henry VIII was annulled (1531) in 1533. The honey moon (1546) is the first month after marriage. However, it is odd that wedding finger (1542) is recorded so long after the wedding ring (1386).
1551-1600
1552
1552 1552 1552 1554 1555 1560 1561 1561 1566 1567 1568 1575 1577 1579 1585 1586 1587 1590 1591 1591 1591 1592 1592 1592 1593 1594 1596 1596 1596 1596 1596 1597 1597 1598 1598 1598 1600 |
bride cake
bridesmaid a. bridemaid bryde leader weddynge chamber bride cup nuptial B1. wedding church dore- wedding church door bridesleader wedlock 3 a betroth 2. to contract 2 persons to each other in order to marry bride wife matrimonial b. bridelace matrimonial 2. bride chamber betrothment maid of honour 1. bride songs court II 3. to try to win favor polygamy 1. wedding dowre wedding torch wedded 2. of or pertaining to marriage wedding bed wedding cheare espouse 3. wedding sute (sic) bridale cheare courtship 6. act of paying court to a woman with a view to marriage elope 2. to run away usher-to act as an usher, to admit ceremoniously wedding knifes (sic) bridegroomship espousess bride belt (chastity belt) polygamize wedding song bridall cake |
Bride cake(1552), bridemaid (1552), maid of honor (1586), wedding knifes (1596) and bride cup (1554) appear. The romantic tradition of courting appears (1590,1596) around the time of the introduction of the word polygamy (1591) and bride belt (1598).
1601-1650
1601
1604 1604 1605 1605 1605 1606 1610 1611 1611 1611 1612 1612 1612 1613 1613 1613 1620 1620 1624 1626 1630 1631 1633 1633 1633 1633 1633 1635 1635 1637 1637 1640 1645 1648 |
bride 2. to wed, marry
groom 6. short for bridegroom weddyng sheetes-wedding sheets dowerless espouse 1. monogamize matrimonically 1. wedding smoc bridal bowl divorcer 2 espoused matrimonize monogamy1. weddyng masse-wedding mass brideman 1. bridegroom divorcer 1a polygamous conjugally matrimony 3. gromesse wed 8. to espouse bride bowl bigamist bridalty-wedding,bridal bride-banquet bride-squires wedding dinner wedding feast bigamy 1.b. marriage with a second wife or husband during the lifetime of the first bride couple espousal 1.b. polygamist bridaller-one who takes part in a bridal,a. a bride or bridegroom, b. wedding guest matrimonious wedding cake |
Interestingly, monogamy (1612) occurs after polygamy (1591). One is tempted to infer that polygamy was the normal situation in marriages. In 1 Timothy 3:2 we find the following insight from Saint Paul:"A Bishop then must be ...the husband of one wife". We can infer that while a Bishop must be monogamous (1798), the laity can be polygamous (1598). The word "bigamy" (1635) has changed from the original meaning.
Although there are early references to matrimony 1 (1303), matrimony 2 (1325) and matrimony 1b (1380), the number of new words in the 17th and 18th centuries is remarkable (matrimonically 1., 1606; matrimonize, 1612; matrimony 3.,1620; matrimonious, 1645; matrimony 1.d., 1700; matrimony 1.c.,1718 and matrimony 4., 1757). We can understand how the emphasis in marriage was becoming more maternal, while the emphasis in the 19th century becomes more paternal (groomlings, 1834; groomishly, 1836; groomish, 1854; groomless, 1870; groomling, 1880 and groomship, 1882).
Although there are early references to matrimony 1 (1303), matrimony 2 (1325) and matrimony 1b (1380), the number of new words in the 17th and 18th centuries is remarkable (matrimonically 1., 1606; matrimonize, 1612; matrimony 3.,1620; matrimonious, 1645; matrimony 1.d., 1700; matrimony 1.c.,1718 and matrimony 4., 1757). We can understand how the emphasis in marriage was becoming more maternal, while the emphasis in the 19th century becomes more paternal (groomlings, 1834; groomishly, 1836; groomish, 1854; groomless, 1870; groomling, 1880 and groomship, 1882).
1651-1800
1651
1652 1652 1653 1654 1661 1663 1663 1671 1678 1681 1691 1694 1695 1700 1700 1700 1708 1712 1714 1718 1722 1727 1729 1730 1731 1742 1748 1748 1757 1780 1780 1794 1795 1798 1798 |
monogamist 1.
bride-barn brideship espouser 1.a. bride bush weddyng night brideman 2. bride leader wedding garters wedding mongers wedding-cloathes (sic) wedding-favour gromeship-groomship wedding sermon wedding supper eloping matrimony 1.d. wedding anniversarie monogamy 2. bride-mother bridal-bed matrimony 1.c. wedding table engage 4.b. wedding trim matrimonial 3. monogamist 2. engagement 2. d. eloper wedding appearance matrimony 4. polyandry polygny bridesmaid b bridesmaid wedding festival monogamous 1. weddyng guest (sic) |
The sermon (1694) and the supper (1695) and the anniversary (1700) are first recorded. Around this time, it seems as though eloping (1700) was an earlier practice than an engagement (1742). Today, no marriage is complete without wedding guests (1798).
1801-1904
1800
1802 1808 1808 1808 1810 1813 1814 1819 1821 1824 1824 1830 1833 1834 1836 1836 1839 1840 1844 1847 1849 1850 1850 1851 1853 1853 1854 1854 1855 1857 1860 1863 1864 1864 1865 1865 1867 1869 1870 1871 1874 1874 1874 1876 1876 1876 1876 1880 1880 1882 1884 1886 1895 1898 1902 1904 |
bridal favor
weddinger bride maiden bridesman weddyng peal bridal chamber divorcee best man polygamic honey moon (noun) bride-like groomlet bride kiss polyandrist groomlings bridally-in bridal attire groomishly bridehood monogamic betrothal-engagement for marriage espousement wedding bells bridal flower bride bell bride ring fiance (with accent) wedding breakfast brideweed groomish wedding banquet wedding coat wedding 3. golden wedding wedding dress bride-door bride-knots bride lifter polyadrous 2. wedding cards wedding flower groomless bride sleep bridal procession polygynous 2. wedding chest bride price monogamian monogamian polygynist groomling matrimonically 2. groomship brideless matrimonically 3. usher d. (United States) weddyng present wedding knot wedding-coffers |
conclusion
Although usher appears around 1596, it is courtesy of the United States that ushers (1895) were first recorded. Interestingly, wedding presents are not recorded until 1898. The traditions of marriage are complete with the wedding knot (1902). Historians assure us that the tradition of tying the knot dates to ancient Rome. Unfortunately, judging by the English language alone, this can not be confirmed.
We know that marriage has not changed in a thousand years per the authority of the Oxford English Dictionary, however the traditions around marriage have continually changed and it is only in the 20th century do we find the summation of centuries of innovations in our wedding ceremonies.
As an example of changes to the traditions of marriage: previously, the minister said "I pronounce you man and wife". The groom has always been a man, so the statements seems odd when one reflects upon it. This oddity has been corrected to "I pronounce you husband and wife". (NB- In English, "You" is a plural, so this is grammatically correct as the minister is speaking to the couple.)
I predict that at least one change to the marriage ceremony will happen. At the completion of the marriage ceremony, the minister states "You may now kiss the bride". Clearly, the the woman was a bride before the ceremony, but after the ceremony she is a wife or spouse (1150-1200).
"You make now kiss your spouse." may sound strange and innovative, but the statement is applicable to both parties and equality is important in a partnership such as marriage.
Appendix I
The following information did not fit into the chronological scheme of the paper, but owing to their importance, I have placed them in this appendix.
We know that marriage has not changed in a thousand years per the authority of the Oxford English Dictionary, however the traditions around marriage have continually changed and it is only in the 20th century do we find the summation of centuries of innovations in our wedding ceremonies.
As an example of changes to the traditions of marriage: previously, the minister said "I pronounce you man and wife". The groom has always been a man, so the statements seems odd when one reflects upon it. This oddity has been corrected to "I pronounce you husband and wife". (NB- In English, "You" is a plural, so this is grammatically correct as the minister is speaking to the couple.)
I predict that at least one change to the marriage ceremony will happen. At the completion of the marriage ceremony, the minister states "You may now kiss the bride". Clearly, the the woman was a bride before the ceremony, but after the ceremony she is a wife or spouse (1150-1200).
"You make now kiss your spouse." may sound strange and innovative, but the statement is applicable to both parties and equality is important in a partnership such as marriage.
Appendix I
The following information did not fit into the chronological scheme of the paper, but owing to their importance, I have placed them in this appendix.
1.
2. 3. 4. 5. |
bridal 2- since 1660 used attributively by association with the adjective
bridegroom-no instances in 14th or 15th centruy, northern or Kentish bridesmaid-earlier bridemaid 19th century brideman becomes groomsman bryde-both sexes. 16th century brydegrome-literally "bride-lad", the lad who was a bride, bride-man, bride-woman |
Appendix II
An enterprising occultist (for example, Apprentice Graham) may find it rewarding to note the introduction of the words associated with polygamy and monogamy and the emphasis on the bride in the 16th century and the groom 19th century.
An enterprising occultist (for example, Apprentice Graham) may find it rewarding to note the introduction of the words associated with polygamy and monogamy and the emphasis on the bride in the 16th century and the groom 19th century.