George Boyle
The honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage. The tradition dates back to the fifth century, when it was known as marriage by capture, with grooms kidnapping their brides and going into hiding with the intention of impregnating them. Today, honeymoons are an opportunity for couples to relax, bond, and explore, while also celebrating love and unity. Couples may choose to go on an adventurous escapade or opt for a quieter, more introspective retreat. The honeymoon phase of a relationship is often associated with the blissful, carefree period following the wedding, when partners are still getting to know each other and finding little fault with their significant other.
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What You'll Learn
The origins of the honeymoon
The honeymoon, a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage, has existed in some form for centuries. The first recorded use of the word "honeymoon" to refer to a vacation after a wedding appeared in a translation of German folk stories in 1791, and the first native English use of the word was in 1804. The custom of a newlywed couple going on holiday together originated in 19th-century Britain, when upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends and family, to visit relatives who had not been able to attend the wedding. The practice soon spread to continental Europe, where it was known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" ("English-style voyage"). Honeymoons in the modern sense became widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 19th century.
However, the word "honeymoon" itself is thought to have much older origins, dating back to the 5th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea that "the first month of marriage is the sweetest", hence "honey" (sweet) and "moon" (referring to a calendar month). During this time, couples would drink mead, a beverage made from fermented honey, which was believed to be an aphrodisiac that would enhance their virility and fertility. The Babylonians would give the bride's father a month's worth of mead to ensure his daughter's happiness and to make him forget how much he spent on the wedding. This month was called the "honey month", which eventually evolved into the "honeymoon".
Another theory suggests that the term "honeymoon" comes from the "Mead Moon" or "Honey Moon", an old name for the June full moon, as June was a prime month for both marriage and honey harvesting. A third theory suggests that the term originated from a medieval belief that love tends to wane like the full moon, and that honeymoons were originally a time for the groom to hide his bride from her family, either until they gave up the search or until she became pregnant.
Today, the purpose of the honeymoon varies by culture. For those in arranged marriages, it is a time to get to know one another, while for some cultures, it is a time for the couple to become sexually intimate. For other cultures, the honeymoon is a time to relax, create shared memories, and adjust to married life.
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The evolution of the honeymoon
The concept of a honeymoon dates back to the fifth century during medieval times. The tradition, however, has evolved over the years, with the word "honeymoon" now carrying a positive connotation, in contrast to its original meaning, which referred to the waning of love after marriage, like a phase of the moon.
The Medieval Honeymoon:
In medieval times, the honeymoon had a darker and less romantic purpose, stemming from the practice of "'marriage by capture'". According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, the groom would kidnap his bride, taking her into hiding with the intention of impregnating her without her family's consent or interference. The couple would remain in hiding until the family gave up the search or the bride became pregnant, solidifying their marriage. This ritual was often accompanied by the consumption of mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, during the first lunar month of their marriage. The word "honeymoon" thus signified a moon's worth of honey wine.
The Rise of Bridal Tours:
In the early 19th century, particularly among the upper classes in Britain, newlyweds began taking "'bridal tours'", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not attended their wedding. This custom soon spread to the European continent, known in France as "voyage à la façon anglaise" ("English-style voyage"). These bridal tours marked the evolution of the honeymoon into a more consensual and celebratory excursion.
Honeymoons in the Modern Sense:
During the Belle Époque, in the late 1800s, honeymoons transitioned into pure holiday voyages undertaken by the couple, becoming widespread across Western culture and some westernized countries. Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in exotic or romantic destinations, with beach resorts being a popular choice. The modern purpose of honeymooning varies culturally, ranging from a time to get to know one another, to becoming sexually intimate, or simply relaxing and creating shared memories.
Emerging Trends:
In the 21st century, new trends like the "solomoon" or "unimoon" have emerged, where newlyweds take separate, solo holidays. Additionally, with the rising costs of weddings, some couples opt for more modest and less expensive "mini-moons", echoing the simpler bridal tours of the past.
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The purpose of the honeymoon
The honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage. The modern purpose of honeymooning varies across cultures. For those in an arranged marriage, it is a chance to get to know one another, while for others, it is a time to become sexually intimate, relax, or create shared memories.
The term "honeymoon" dates back centuries and can be traced to various historical contexts. One theory suggests it originates from the tradition of newlyweds drinking mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, during the first lunar month of their marriage. This period was believed to be filled with joy, fertility, and sweetness, symbolizing the start of a harmonious union. The honeymoon was originally the period following marriage, characterized by love and happiness, as attested since 1546. The word may allude to the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest.
Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in destinations considered exotic or romantic. In the past, upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not attended the wedding. This custom originated in early-19th-century Britain and soon spread to the European continent, becoming widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s.
Honeymoons provide a significant transition period for couples to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate before settling into married life. They offer an opportunity to create lasting memories, deepen emotional connections, and explore individual and shared identities. Romance is a central component, with couples indulging in intimate settings, quality time, and romantic gestures.
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When to go on honeymoon
When planning a honeymoon, it's important to consider the time of year and your preferred destinations' typical weather conditions. While some places have their charms year-round, like Italy and France, others have more extreme seasonal weather that you might want to avoid.
For example, Europe in January tends to be cold and grey, so it's best avoided unless you're heading to the slopes of the Alps for some skiing or Norway to see the Northern Lights. Instead, you could consider celebrating the new year in Rio or head to the sun in the Caribbean or Australia.
February is a great time to visit Buenos Aires, which offers fantastic deals, or Hawaii, which is perfect for a sun-soaked escape with great surfing. It's also a good time to visit South Africa and Egypt before the temperatures soar. If you're a thrill-seeker, February is also a great time for trekking in Nepal, with plenty of sunshine.
If you're planning a March honeymoon, you might want to consider Crete, Malta, and the Balearic Islands, which are warm and sunny. Bora Bora is also a blissful choice at this time of year. It's tulip season in Amsterdam, so a trip to the tulip fields is a must. The US is another great option for a road trip, with good off-peak deals to be found. Marrakech and Namibia are hot and dry, offering a real cultural experience. And if you're heading to Japan, it's cherry blossom season!
In April, much of Europe is in its prime, with Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and Portugal offering good weather and France, Italy, and Spain ideal for wine tasting. The Philippines and the Bahamas are also paradise at this time of year, with sun, white sand, and turquoise seas.
So, when planning your honeymoon, consider your preferred weather conditions and activities, and choose a destination that aligns with your desired month of travel.
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What to do on honeymoon
A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that sets the tone for your marriage, so it's worth adding some new and exciting experiences to your itinerary to make it truly unforgettable.
For adventurous couples, planning activities that offer an adrenaline rush, such as parasailing, scuba diving, or safari trips, will create lasting memories. If you're looking to relax, spa treatments, sound bath meditations, and couples' massages are perfect for unwinding and strengthening your bond.
Sampling the local cuisine is a must, and you can take it a step further by joining a cooking class to learn how to prepare the local dishes. This interactive experience will make you feel more connected to each other and the culture you're immersed in. Don't forget to try the regional drinks as well!
To truly connect with the local culture, go beyond the typical tourist spots and explore neighbourhoods, interact with locals, and visit attractions that embody the region. You can also arrange for a private dinner on the balcony of your hotel room, or in a unique setting, to enjoy an intimate meal without distractions, surrounded by the beauty of your honeymoon destination.
Finally, don't forget to relax and spend quality time together. Plan for at least one day to sleep in, order room service, and watch a movie. You can also set the mood in your hotel room with romantic touches like a bath strewn with rose petals, chilled wine, soft music, and candles.
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage. The term "honeymoon" dates back to the fifth century when guests would give the newly married couple a month's worth of mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, to drink during the first lunar month of their marriage.
There are no set rules on what to do during a honeymoon. Couples may choose to relax and bond in a romantic setting, or they may seek adventure and exploration by travelling to unfamiliar places and engaging in thrilling activities. It is a time for couples to deepen their emotional and physical connection, create lasting memories, and celebrate the start of their life together.
Some couples choose to go on their honeymoon immediately after their wedding, as it provides an opportunity to rest and recuperate without worrying about the demands of everyday life. Others may delay their honeymoon by a few days, weeks, or even months to save money, open wedding gifts, or simply to enjoy the excitement of their wedding day for a little while longer.
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