The True Meaning Of Being Wedded: A Union Of Love And Commitment

To wed someone means to get married to them, or to perform the marriage ceremony for a couple. The word is often used in a formal context, and it shares a Germanic root with words in various languages meaning pledge.

Getting married to someone

When one person weds another, they take them as a spouse through a formal ceremony. This can be done by a religious or secular officiant. The couple may choose to wed in a location that is significant to them, such as Hawaii, or they may opt for a more low-key affair with only a few guests.

The word "wed" can also be used in a broader sense to mean "to unite closely", as in "a style that weds form and function". This usage implies a strong connection or blend between two things.

In summary, getting married to someone is a formal act of uniting two people as spouses through a ceremony, and the word "wed" conveys a sense of commitment and joining together.

Joining two people in matrimony

When two people wed, they are brought together in a formal ceremony, often conducted by an official or religious figure. This act joins the couple in matrimony, marking the beginning of their married life together.

The phrase "joining two people in matrimony" specifically refers to the act of uniting a couple in marriage, rather than simply the state of being married. It implies a transition from being unmarried to a wedded state, and it is often used to describe the moment when the couple exchanges vows and is declared married by the officiant.

The phrase also conveys a sense of unity and commitment between the two individuals. By joining in matrimony, the couple is not only entering into a legal contract but also pledging their devotion and love to one another.

In summary, "joining two people in matrimony" is a formal and meaningful act that unites a couple in marriage, marking the beginning of their life together as a married pair.

Taking a spouse

The word "wed" shares a Germanic root with words in various languages meaning pledge, but also "bet or wager". It is derived from the Middle English "wedden" and Old English "weddian", which is also related to Old Norse "vethja" and Gothic "wadi", meaning pledge.

The act of taking a spouse or getting married is a universal tradition, with many different cultural and religious variations. It is a significant milestone in a person's life, often considered a dream or aspiration.

Performing a marriage ceremony

To wed someone means to get married to them, or to perform a marriage ceremony.

Marriage ceremonies vary across different cultures and religions, but they all include some type of processional or entrance, prayer and readings, the exchange of symbolic tokens, and a kiss. Here is a general outline of how to perform a marriage ceremony:

Processional

The processional is the first part of the ceremony, where the wedding party walks down the aisle and takes their places. In a traditional Christian wedding, the bride is walked down the aisle by her father, while the groom waits at the altar. In a traditional Jewish wedding, the groom's parents escort him down the aisle, followed by the bride with her parents. The processional begins with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, typically walking in pairs, followed by the maid of honour and best man. The ring bearer then carries the rings to the altar, followed by the flower girl.

Opening Remarks

The officiant then welcomes the guests and shares some words about the significance of marriage or the couple's love story.

Readings

Some people may be invited to share readings, which can be religious, spiritual, or even excerpts from novels or poems.

Officiant Addresses the Couple

The officiant will then speak to the couple about the significance of the vows and the responsibilities of marriage.

Exchange of Vows

The couple can choose to write their own vows or use traditional phrasing. This is a very personal part of the ceremony, where the couple can add their own unique touch.

Ring Exchange

After the vows, the couple exchanges rings. The officiant prompts the ring bearer to present the rings, and the couple places them on each other's left hands, symbolising their union.

Pronouncement of Marriage

Once the rings have been exchanged, the officiant pronounces the couple as husband and wife.

The Kiss

The couple then seals their marriage with a kiss, often with the officiant saying, "You may now kiss the bride."

Unity Ceremony

Some couples choose to include a unity ceremony, such as lighting a candle or mixing sand or water, to symbolise their union.

Closing Remarks

The officiant ends the ceremony with some final words and blessings for the couple.

Recessional

Finally, the couple, followed by the wedding party and guests, exits the ceremony venue, often to the cheer and blessings of the guests.

Combining two things

When two people wed, they are brought together in a close and intimate association, much like how certain elements in a novel can be wedded together, or how two distinct art forms can be blended in a film. For example, a novel might wed tragedy and comedy, or a film might wed horror and dark comedy.

The act of combining two things in this context is not limited to people but can also refer to ideas, beliefs, or causes. For instance, someone might be wedded to an idea or a way of doing things, refusing to let go of their commitment to it.

The word "wed" also extends beyond the realm of marriage and can be used to describe the blending or uniting of various elements, such as style and content in a novel, or science and art in a project. This usage of the word highlights the joining or blending of distinct entities to create something new and inseparable.

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