Wedding Traditions 101: What is the origin and role of the Maid of Honor?

​Many brides today spend an incredible amount of time and effort, in an attempt to make their wedding different, and as unique as possible.  But every wedding has many of the same basic elements and traditions:  the white dress, the best man/maid of honor, the wedding cake, etc.  But where do these traditions come from?  This time, we'll look at the Maid of Honor & Bridesmaid.
The Maid of Honor (or Matron of Honor if she is married) originally referred to the female attendant of a queen.  Typically it is the bride's closest friend or sister.  The tradition of the Maid of Honor (and Bridesmaids) is thought to have originated from Roman law, which required ten witnesses in order to outsmart evil spirits.  These evil spirits were believed to be present at all marriage ceremonies.  So the Bridesmaids would all dress in identical clothing to the bride and groom, so that the evil spirits would not know who was getting married.

The Maid of Honor (or Matron of Honor if she is married) originally referred to the female attendant of a queen.  Typically it is the bride's closest friend or sister.  The tradition of the Maid of Honor (and Bridesmaids) is thought to have originated from Roman law, which required ten witnesses in order to outsmart evil spirits.  These evil spirits were believed to be present at all marriage ceremonies.  So the Bridesmaids would all dress in identical clothing to the bride and groom, so that the evil spirits would not know who was getting married.
 
The role of the Maid of Honor and the Bridesdmaids in today's world is to basically assist and support the bride through the entire marriage process.  This normally includes helping with logistics for the wedding, helping pick out colors, dresses, and even vendors.  Many brides also expect the Maid of Honor to arrange and pay for the Bridal Shower as well as the Bachelorette Party.  In Michigan, the Maid of Honor traditionally acts one of the witnesses required on the marriage license.  At the reception, it is also common that the Maid of Honor gives a speech before dinner, usually following a speech by the Best Man.
For more information and useful resources, click here.
Upcoming "Wedding Traditions 101" articles include:  The Best Man, The White Wedding Dress, The Wedding Cake, and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties.  Have a suggestion for an upcoming article?  Email Tom at [email protected] or visit www.cvideosolutions.com
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