After weeding, every couple goes for honeymoon. But why do people go on honeymoons? What is the origin of the honeymoon tradition? And why is it called a “honeymoon”?
The modern reasons for going on a honeymoon may differ slightly from earlier in history. However, there are also enough similarities to enable us to fit both old and new meanings of the honeymoon onto one list.
1.) To Celebrate Marriage
Many people today see honeymoons as the grand finale to the wedding celebrations. It is so ingrained in many Western cultures that the honeymoon is almost as much a part of the wedding as wearing a white dress and exchanging rings.
Considering the amount of thought, effort and eleborate preparation that go into wedding planning these days, sometimes the honeymoon is a much needed holiday from all the stress of the lead-up to the big day!
2.) To Enable Togetherness
Having time away from the distractions and interruptions of everyday life enables newly weds to connect and enjoy each others’ company, and therefore to start married life together on the best possible note. Their seclusion together sets up the optimal conditions for intimacy and romance.
3.) It says so in the Bible!
In Deuteronomy 24:5 it is written that “When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him. He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of her family, to bring joy to the wife he has married.”
The honeymoon tradition usually doesn’t last a full year. The term honeymoon suggests it would have lasted one lunar month. Nevertheless, the honeymoon tradition may partly be inspired by, or at the very least is least supported by this Biblical passage.
4.) In Cases of Arranged Marriages it Enables Time to Get to Know One Another
Arranged marriages or marriages by capture were once far more common than they are today. Spending time together after getting married was ideal for finding out more about your partner, and it provided an opportunity to acclimate to life together.
Today, arranged marriages are still carried out by some cultures, and for them, the honeymoon experience still serves this purpose of getting to know one another in a relaxed environment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, hopefully in a beautiful and romantic setting to better-enable love to blossom.
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