Deborah Chan
The word honeymoon has a long and varied history, with several theories on its origin. The word, which today describes a vacation taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage, first took on this meaning in a 1592 literary hoax document, and took 200 years to become widespread. The term is thought to derive from the Old English hony moone, with hony referring to the sweetness of a new marriage, and moone alluding to the fleeting nature of this period before love begins to wane, like the changing phases of the moon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology | Old English "hony moone" |
| First recorded description | 1542 |
| First recorded usage | 1546 |
| First recorded native-English usage | 1804 |
| First recorded use referring to a vacation | 1791 |
| First use of verb form | 1821 |
| French equivalent | "lune de miel" |
| German equivalent | "flitterwochen" |
| Persian equivalent | "mah-e-asal" |
| Origin | "Marriage by capture" |
| Modern purpose | Varies by culture |
| Popularity | 75% of couples surveyed took a honeymoon |
| Average spend | $4500 |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition's origin story
The tradition of the honeymoon has a complex and varied history, with several theories about its origin. The word "honeymoon" first appeared in a literary context in 1542, when Samuel Johnson wrote:
> "The first month after marriage, when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure; originally having no reference to the period of a month, but comparing mutual affection of newly-married persons to the changing moon which is no sooner full that it begins to wane..."
The word "honeymoon" is derived from the Old English "hony moone", with "hony" or honey referring to the sweetness and pleasure of the period immediately following a marriage, and "moone" referring to the fleeting nature of this time, as well as the moon's monthly cycle. The word was first used to warn newlyweds about the waning of love, a much less romantic notion than what it has evolved into today.
The tradition of honeymooning as a holiday voyage undertaken by the couple alone became widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s. In 19th-century Britain, upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not been able to attend the wedding. This custom soon spread to the European continent and was known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" ('English-style voyage').
The word "honeymoon" may also have originated from the custom of drinking mead, a beverage made with honey, for thirty days after the wedding. This theory, however, has been challenged. Another theory suggests that the term comes from the Nordic word "hjunottsmanathr", referring to the ancient practice of marriage by capture, where the groom would kidnap his bride and hide her from her family until she became pregnant, thus preventing her family from attempting to nullify the marriage.
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'Honeymoon' in other languages
The word 'honeymoon' has various origins and meanings in different languages. In Old English, it is known as 'hony moone', which may refer to the "Mead Moon" or "Honey Moon", an old name for the June full moon when honey harvesting was at its peak. In French, the term is 'lune de miel', while in German, it is 'flitterwochen', derived from the word 'flitter', which means tinsel. Interestingly, the Persian word 'mah-e-asal' translates to 'month of honey' or 'moon of honey', capturing the essence of the English word.
The tradition of honeymooning also holds different meanings in various cultures. For couples in arranged marriages, it serves as an opportunity to get to know each other intimately, while in some cultures, it is a time for the couple to embark on their journey of married life together. The modern concept of honeymooning as a holiday voyage for the couple alone emerged during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s. Upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who could not attend the wedding. This tradition spread to the European continent, and by the 1820s, it was known in France as a 'voyage à la façon anglaise' or 'English-style voyage'.
The word 'honeymoon' itself has a complex etymology. One theory suggests it originates from the medieval belief that love is fleeting and tends to wane like the full moon. Another theory claims it is derived from the Nordic word "hjunottsmanathr", referring to the practice of the groom kidnapping his bride and hiding her from her family. According to some sources, the honeymoon is a relic of marriage by capture, where the husband and wife would go into hiding to avoid reprisals from the bride's family.
In modern times, honeymoons are often associated with exotic or romantic destinations, with beach resorts being a popular choice for many couples. The tradition of honeymooning continues to evolve, with emerging trends such as the "solomoon" or "unimoon", where newlyweds take separate, solo holidays.
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The evolution of the honeymoon
The tradition of the honeymoon has evolved significantly over the centuries, with the term "honeymoon" itself having a surprising and somewhat dark history.
The Origin of the Term "Honeymoon"
The word "honeymoon" is derived from the Old English "hony moone", with "hony" or "honey" referring to the sweetness of a new marriage, and "moone" alluding to the fleeting nature of this period, as the moon waxes and wanes. The term was first recorded in 1542 by Samuel Johnson, who wrote:
> "The first month after marriage, when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure; originally having no reference to the period of a month, but comparing mutual affection of newly-married persons to the changing moon which is no sooner full than it begins to wane..."
The term was also used by 16th-century author Richard Huloet, who expressed a rather sceptical view of the tradition, describing the "hony mone" as a period of excessive love that would not last long. Another theory suggests that the word "honeymoon" comes from the medieval practice of "marriage by capture", where the groom would kidnap his bride and hide her until she became pregnant, thus preventing her family from finding her and nullifying the marriage.
The tradition of the honeymoon vacation appears to have originated in 19th-century Britain, where upper-class couples would take a bridal tour to visit friends and family who could not attend their wedding. This custom soon spread to the European continent, becoming known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" ('English-style voyage'). Over time, the honeymoon evolved into a holiday voyage undertaken by the couple alone, becoming widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s.
The Modern Honeymoon
Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in exotic or romantic destinations and are personalised to reflect the interests, hobbies, and personalities of the couple. While the tradition still symbolises romance and celebration, modern honeymoons may also involve a mix of relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, and opportunities for couples to learn something new together. According to a 2023 report, among 15 surveyed countries, an average of 75% of couples took a honeymoon, with beach resorts being a preferred location.
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Honeymoon spending and destinations
The tradition of the honeymoon as a post-wedding vacation has evolved over the years, with the term having several origins. The word 'honeymoon' is believed to have come from the Old English 'hony moone', which may refer to the ''Mead Moon' or 'Honey Moon,' an old name for the June full moon, a prime month for marriage and honey harvesting. Another origin of the term is believed to be the medieval tradition of drinking mead, a honey-based beverage, for a month after the wedding.
Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in exotic or romantic destinations, with beach resorts being a popular choice for many couples. The average spending on honeymoons varies across countries and cultures. In the United States, for example, couples spend an average of $4500 on their honeymoons.
Honeymoon destinations can range from classic romantic spots to more unique and unexpected locations. Here are some popular and recommended honeymoon destinations:
- The Amalfi Coast in Italy, known for its colorful villages, azure waters, and picturesque beaches.
- Maui, the Hawaiian island, offers miles of shoreline and traditional Hawaiian experiences like a lūʻau or a dinner cruise.
- The French Caribbean island of St. Barts, known for its chic hotels, breathtaking beaches, and vibrant nightlife in Gustavia.
- Florence, Italy, a city renowned for its art, history, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
- The British Virgin Islands, a collection of Caribbean islands known for top-notch sailing, diving, and private island resorts.
- Mauritius, an African island east of Madagascar, boasts turquoise waters, abundant wildlife, and luxury resorts, along with opportunities for hiking and cultural exploration.
- Cuba, with its sophisticated gastronomy and vibrant cities like Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos. Cayo Guillermo is a popular resort destination within Cuba.
- Vienna, the Austrian capital, offers urban luxury, neoclassical palaces, Renaissance-style opera houses, and urban vineyards with stunning views.
- Denmark's capital city, Copenhagen, a rich cultural smorgasbord with cutting-edge design, historical landmarks, and hygge hideaways tucked away in cobbled streets.
- Portugal, South Africa, and Japan are also recommended as unexpected honeymoon destinations.
Alternative Trends
In addition to the traditional honeymoon, there are emerging alternative trends, such as the "solomoon" or "unimoon", where newlyweds take separate, solo holidays. While the traditional honeymoon is still prevalent, with 75% of couples taking one according to a 2023 report, these alternatives are gaining popularity, especially for couples who cannot agree on a destination.
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Honeymoon alternatives
The term 'honeymoon' has various suggested origins. One theory suggests that it is a relic of marriage by capture, where the husband would hide his wife from her family. Another theory suggests that the term comes from the Old English 'hony moone', referring to the ''Mead Moon' or 'Honey Moon', an old name for the June full moon, which was a prime month for marriage and honey harvesting.
Honeymoons are often expensive, so here are some alternative options for newlyweds:
- Road trip – a good old-fashioned road trip is a great way to see new places without breaking the bank. You can rent a van, RV, or bus and explore your own country. It is a customizable option, allowing you to choose your travel time, interests, and destinations.
- Camping – if you love the great outdoors, a camping trip is a unique and affordable way to celebrate your marriage. Immerse yourself in nature and bring some extras to make it romantic, like champagne and a fancy meal.
- Staycation – you don't have to go far to enjoy your honeymoon. Try a weekend getaway with a bottle of champagne and a simple white dress. You can also book a day at a luxury hotel pool and enjoy cocktails and snacks.
- Cooking – if you can't get away, try a cooking class, or hire a local chef to prepare a meal for you to enjoy at home.
- Spa – head to a nearby spa for a couple's massage, body scrub, and sauna.
- Unique destinations – try an alternative honeymoon destination like Bled, Slovenia, or hike the Appalachian Trail in the USA.
These are just a few ideas for honeymoon alternatives, but there are many ways to celebrate your marriage without a traditional honeymoon.
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon is a vacation taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage.
The custom of honeymooning in Western culture and some Western-influenced countries originated in 19th-century Britain. 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 word "honeymoon" comes from the Old English "hony moone". "Hony", a reference to honey, alludes to the sweetness and pleasure of a new marriage. "Moone" refers to the fleeting nature of this honeymoon phase, as the word "moon" is associated with the passing of a month.
In French, "honeymoon" is "lune de miel", and in German, it is "flitterwochen", from "flitter", meaning tinsel. In Persian, the word is "mah-e-asal", which translates to "month of honey" or "moon of honey".
One theory suggests that the word comes from the medieval practice of "marriage by capture", where the groom would kidnap his bride and hide her from her family until she became pregnant, making it impossible for her family to nullify the marriage. Another theory claims that the word alludes to the custom of drinking mead, a beverage made with honey, for thirty days after the wedding.
