The Wedded Wife: Exploring The Evolution Of Marriage

The phrase wedded wife is often used in traditional wedding vows, where a person pledges to take another as their lawfully wedded wife or lawfully wedded husband. The phrase dates back to at least the 1500s, and its use is likely due to the word wife historically having a broader meaning, referring to any woman rather than specifically a female spouse. Thus, wedded wife serves to disambiguate and emphasise the seriousness of the commitment being made. In modern times, the phrase may be used to distinguish between a common-law wife and a wife joined through a legally recognised marriage ceremony.

'Lawfully wedded wife' in wedding vows

The phrase "lawfully wedded wife" is a common component of wedding vows, often used in conjunction with traditional Christian wedding vows. The phrase has been used in wedding ceremonies for hundreds of years and is still popular today.

The inclusion of "lawfully wedded" in wedding vows serves to emphasise the legality of the wedding and the marriage. It adds an extra layer of solemnity and significance to the ceremony, highlighting the seriousness and weight of the commitment being made.

In traditional Christian wedding vows, the groom is typically asked:

> [Groom's name], do you take [Bride's name] to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honour and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?

The bride's vows often include a similar phrase, such as:

> I, [name], take you, [name], to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to love and cherish you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep myself only unto you, for so long as we both shall live.

The phrase "lawfully wedded wife" is also used in wedding vows from other religions and cultures, such as Viking, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Unitarian Universalist traditions.

While the specific wording may vary, the core meaning remains the same: a pledge to love, honour, and remain faithful to one's spouse for the duration of their lives together.

'Wedded wife' vs 'lawful wife'

The terms "wedded wife" and "lawful wife" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct nuances, especially in a legal context.

A "wedded wife" refers to a woman who has participated in a wedding ceremony, whether it be customary or legally recognised. In other words, the term "wedded" simply implies that a ceremony took place, regardless of its legal validity.

On the other hand, a "lawful wife" or "lawfully wedded wife" indicates that the marriage is legally recognised and that the wife is a legitimate spouse in the eyes of the law. The term "lawful" clarifies that the marriage is not only a spiritual union but also a legal contract, abiding by the laws of the state or country in which the marriage took place.

In traditional wedding vows, the phrase "to be my lawfully wedded wife" is often used, emphasising the legal significance of the marriage. This distinction is particularly important in situations such as medical decision-making, tax filing, and inheritance, where a person's legal spouse has certain rights and responsibilities.

It is worth noting that the terms "common-law wife" or "de facto wife" may be used to describe a woman who lives with her partner for an extended period without undergoing a legal marriage ceremony. While such relationships may be recognised as valid in some US states, they do not involve the legal contract associated with the term "lawful wife".

In summary, while "wedded wife" and "lawful wife" may often be used interchangeably, the latter carries a stronger implication of legal recognition and the associated rights and responsibilities.

'Wedded' as a synonym for 'married'

The word "wedded" is often used as a synonym for "married" and is commonly used to describe a person who is joined in marriage or has been married. It can also refer to the state of being married, such as "wedded bliss" or "wedded life".

The term "wedded" implies a strong emotional and legal bond between two people who have entered into a marital union. It suggests a commitment to each other and a shared life together.

In literature and common usage, "wedded" is often used to convey a sense of romantic happiness and fulfilment in marriage. For example, a couple may speak of their "wedded bliss" or their "romantic fantasy of wedded bliss". This usage evokes the traditional notion of marriage as a sacred and joyful union.

"Wedded" can also be used in a broader sense to describe a strong attachment or devotion to something or someone, such as a cause or a profession. For instance, one might say, "a person completely wedded to a profession" or "law enforcement agencies wedded to heavy-handed methods". This usage extends the idea of commitment and dedication beyond the realm of romantic relationships.

In summary, "wedded" is a versatile word that captures the multifaceted nature of commitment and union, whether in the context of marriage or other passionate endeavours.

'Wedded' as 'pledged'

The phrase "wedded wife" is a term that has been used in traditional wedding ceremonies in English-speaking cultures. It is often included in marriage vows, where the groom pledges to take the bride as his "lawfully wedded wife". This phrase dates back to at least the 1500s and has been a part of the Book of Common Prayer, which was originally published in 1549.

The use of the word "wedded" in this context originally meant something closer to "pledged". In Old English, the word wed had this meaning, in addition to its association with marriage. The inclusion of "wedded" in the phrase "wedded wife" served to emphasise the commitment and seriousness of the marriage ceremony.

In modern times, the phrase "wedded wife" may seem redundant, as the term "wife" already implies a wedding ceremony and a legal marriage. However, historically, the word "wife" had a broader meaning and could refer to any woman or a married woman. By using the phrase "wedded wife", the marriage vows clearly distinguished between a woman who was simply referred to as a "wife" and one who had undergone a recognised marriage ceremony.

In some legal contexts, the term common-law wife may be used to refer to a long-term partner or concubine who is not legally married to her partner. In this case, the woman would be considered a wife in many social respects but would lack the legal recognition and rights associated with a lawful marriage.

Therefore, the term "wedded as pledged" in the context of marriage refers to the solemn commitment and pledge made by the couple during their wedding ceremony. It emphasises the legal and emotional bond that unites them as husband and wife.

'Wedded' as in 'united in matrimony'

The phrase "wedded as in united in matrimony" refers to the union of two people in marriage. It is a way of describing the legal and ceremonial aspects of marriage, as well as the commitment and relationship between the spouses.

The term "wedded" has a long history and can be traced back to Old English, where it meant "pledged" or had a meaning related to marriage. In the context of matrimony, "wedded" signifies that a marriage ceremony has taken place, whether legally recognised or not. It adds emphasis and clarity to the commitment being made, distinguishing it from simply living together or a common-law marriage.

"United in matrimony", on the other hand, refers to the act of two people getting married and the legal and ceremonial aspects of that union. The term "matrimony" first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century, derived from the Old French word "matrimoignie" and the Latin "matrimonium". The root "matr-" means "mother" in Latin, while the suffix "-mony" refers to a state of being, function, or role. Thus, matrimony signifies the state that makes a woman a mother and highlights the importance of reproduction and childrearing within the marriage.

In a religious context, particularly in Christian traditions, "holy matrimony" is used to describe the sacred and irrevocable nature of the marriage covenant, which is not to be taken lightly. It signifies a lifelong obligation and partnership between the spouses, with God at the centre of their relationship.

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