Junior Rasmussen
The honeymoon, a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage, is believed to be a 4000-year-old tradition. In the 18th century, the term 'honeymoon' was used to describe the first month of marriage, a time of tenderness and pleasure, according to Samuel Johnson's Dictionary. The custom of couples taking a holiday immediately after marriage likely stems from the ''bridal tours' of the upper classes in the 1800s, which involved visiting friends and family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "The first month after marriage when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure" |
| Origin | Derived from the Old English 'hony moone', referring to the sweetness of new marriage and the fading of this sweetness with time, much like how the moon wanes after it is full |
| Historical Context | In the 18th century, it was forbidden for newlyweds to have sexual intercourse during the wedding night and the three days following their union. |
| Traditional Activities | Couples drank mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey, to promote fertility and ensure happiness in their marriage |
| Modern Evolution | By the 19th century, the term 'honeymoon' began to signify a vacation taken by newlyweds after their wedding, a tradition that continues in modern times |
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What You'll Learn
'Bridal tours'
The tradition of couples taking a holiday immediately after marriage most likely stems from the "bridal tours" that were popular among the upper classes in the 18th century. These "bridal tours" combined with the rise of popular travel and tourism in the 19th century, evolved into what we now know as honeymoons.
In the 1800s, upper-class couples would embark on a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not been able to attend the wedding. This practice soon spread to the European continent and was known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" ('English-style voyage').
In the early modern era, these post-wedding "tours" served a dual purpose. For some, it was an opportunity to visit friends and family, while others preferred to retreat from society and get to know each other better. For instance, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn reportedly spent more than a week at Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire, while Charles II withdrew with his new bride to Hampton Court Palace.
The length of these "bridal tours" could vary. While some brides were content with three days of retirement, others preferred longer durations, with a whole month being considered the traditional length in some cultures.
The tradition of "bridal tours" or honeymoons has evolved over time, influenced by societal norms, technological advancements, and the development of the travel industry. By the 20th century, honeymoons became prevalent among the middle class as well, with couples heading to far-flung locations due to the emergence of automobiles and easier travel options.
Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in destinations considered exotic or romantic, and they hold a special significance as a time for couples to deepen their connection, create lasting memories, and celebrate their marriage away from the routines of daily life.
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'Marriage by capture'
I could not find specific information on what a honeymoon was called in the 18th century. However, according to sources, the tradition of couples taking a honeymoon trip immediately after marriage likely stems from "bridal tours", which were popular among the upper classes in the 1800s.
Now, here is some information on the topic of "Marriage by capture":
Marriage by capture, also known as marriage by abduction or elopement, was an ancient practice where a man would kidnap his intended bride with the intention of impregnating her. This was done without the consent of the woman or her family, and the groom would hold his bride captive until her family gave up searching for her or she became pregnant, making it impossible to nullify the marriage. This practice was often used by poor men in various regions, including China, South America, East and South Asia, Africa, and some parts of Europe, as a way to avoid paying a dowry.
The medieval years, specifically the fifth century in Europe, were significant in coining the term "honeymoon". During this period, it was customary for guests to give the newlywed couple a month's worth of honey-mead, a type of alcoholic beverage made from honey. The consumption of honey-mead symbolised the sweetness and happiness of the marriage. The term "honeymoon" itself may derive from the tradition of drinking honey-mead for a month after the wedding.
The honeymoon tradition, as we know it today, has evolved into a more romantic and consensual vacation for couples to celebrate their marriage. It is a time for relaxation, bonding, and exploration, often in exotic or romantic destinations. While the modern honeymoon is a widespread practice, its origins lie in ancient customs like marriage by capture, which had a darker and less romantic purpose.
In the early 19th century, upper-class couples in Britain began taking "bridal tours", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who could not attend their wedding. This tradition soon spread to the European continent, where it was known as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" or "English-style voyage". By the late 1800s, honeymoons in the modern sense became more common during the Belle Époque, marking a shift towards a purely holiday voyage for the couple.
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'Honey month'
The term "honeymoon" has been used to refer to the post-wedding holiday taken by newlyweds, which is now a \$12 billion a year industry. However, the tradition of couples taking a honeymoon immediately after marriage is believed to have originated in the 19th century in Britain and America, where upper-class couples would take a ""bridal tour" to visit friends and family who could not attend the wedding.
The term "honeymoon" itself is believed to be much older, with roots in medieval times. The phrase "honeymoon" or "honey month" refers to the first month or moon cycle after marriage, which was believed to be the sweetest time for a couple. During this period, newlyweds would consume mead, a honey-based drink, every day. This tradition, which originated with the Babylonians and Germanic populations, was thought to promote fertility and ensure happiness in the marriage. The phrase "honeymoon" was first used in this context by English lexicographer Richard Huloet in 1546, and was later defined by Samuel Johnson in the mid-18th century as "the first month after marriage when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure".
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'Voyage à la façon anglaise'
The tradition of newlyweds going on a honeymoon has existed for centuries, with roots in the fifth century during medieval times. The term "honeymoon" is believed to have originated from the Old English "hony moone", referring to the sweetness of new marriage, akin to honey, and the fleeting nature of this sweetness, much like the waning of the moon.
In the 18th century, the honeymoon tradition continued to evolve. While the term "honeymoon" was already in use, the practice itself was quite different from what we know today. Here are some insights into the honeymoon tradition during the 18th century, specifically focusing on the concept of "Voyage à la façon anglaise" or the "English-style voyage":
The "English-style voyage"
The phrase "Voyage à la façon anglaise" emerged in France in the 1820s to describe the practice of newlywed couples going on a bridal tour or honeymoon. This tradition originated in early-19th-century Britain and involved upper-class couples taking a journey together after their wedding to visit relatives who couldn't attend the nuptials. Friends or family members of the bride might accompany them to help her transition into married life.
The evolution of bridal tours
The concept of bridal tours, or honeymoon trips, became increasingly popular in the 1800s due to the rise of travel and tourism. These journeys allowed couples to flaunt their wealth and social status. They often ventured to destinations like Italy or Provence for their wedding night.
Extravagant honeymoons
As the length of traditional honeymoon celebrations shortened by the turn of the century, the holidays became more extravagant. Couples started to prioritise relaxation, bonding, and exploration during their trips. This shift paved the way for the modern honeymoon, a romantic getaway focused on celebrating marriage and deepening the connection between spouses.
A dark past
While the honeymoon tradition has evolved into a consensual and romantic vacation, its origins lie in a darker practice known as "marriage by capture". In ancient times, the groom would kidnap his bride, holding her captive until she became pregnant or her family gave up the search. This ensured that the marriage could not be nullified.
A month of honey
The medieval years played a significant role in shaping the honeymoon tradition. Newlywed couples were expected to drink mead, a honey-based beverage, for a month after their wedding. This practice, believed to promote fertility and happiness, gave rise to the term "honey month", which eventually evolved into "honeymoon".
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'Short honeymoons'
The tradition of couples taking a holiday immediately after marriage or a "bridal tour" became popular among the upper classes in the 1800s. In the early modern era, wealthy couples would go on a post-wedding "tour" to visit friends and family, while others preferred to retreat from society and get to know each other better.
In the mid-18th century, Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary defined a honeymoon as “the first month after marriage when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure”. The term was also associated with an ancient practice of drinking honey-mead for 30 days. By the 19th century, the term "honeymoon" was increasingly being used to refer to the wedding trip itself. Short honeymoons became popular, with some brides opting for three days of retirement, while others chose more extravagant trips.
In the 20th century, with the advent of automobiles and the development of the travel industry, honeymoons became more prevalent and accessible to the middle class. Couples started to travel to more distant locations, marking the beginning of the modern honeymoon as we know it today.
Nowadays, the term "mini-moon" has emerged to describe shorter and less expensive honeymoons, reflecting a return to the more modest bridal tours of the past.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 18th century, the honeymoon was referred to as a "bridal tour", where upper-class couples would visit friends and family who could not attend the wedding.
The term "honeymoon" is believed to have originated from the Old English "hony moone", referring to the sweetness of new marriage, like honey, and the fading of this sweetness over time, like the waning of the moon.
The honeymoon in the 18th century was a period of post-marriage celebration, characterised by tenderness and pleasure, as described by Samuel Johnson in his 18th-century dictionary.
