In most all weddings, at the end of the ceremony the bride and groom exchange a kiss. The wedding kiss is one of the longest wedding traditions to still be in use today. As with most traditions, they all stem from either a religious nature or more of a business-like nature. Kissing at the end of the wedding ceremony garners history from both the religious aspect, as well as, contractual one.
Roman history shows that a couple was betrothed if they kissed passionately in front of a large group including family. In old world Christian culture, they viewed a wedding kiss as a symbol of the scripture – two souls becoming one flesh. However we can note that in Roman society, a kiss was used, as we do today, as a gesture of a commitment; much like we use a handshake at the end of a business deal. In fact during Roman times, a kiss given to another party was used to signify a legal contract. Yes, even for just a everyday business deal a kiss sealed the deal. So, a groom and a bride would seal the deal (marriage contract) with a kiss. Romans had three types of kisses; a kiss on the cheek, a kiss on the lips and then a deeper more passionate kiss. I believe the latter was the wedding kiss.
Going back to the religious side, some early Christian’s believed clinking glass at the wedding or wedding reception would scare off the devil. After this was done, the couple would exchange a kiss to show joy and happiness. Whether was done for religious reasons, contractual, reason the wedding day kiss is now a tradition that is sweet and endearing.
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