Denyce AlvarezFebruary 9, 2010

Latin—A3

Roman MarriagesRoman Marriages

Marriages-based on social status of a person-not their love.

The father choose the husband. Young women “unloved” by parents until

they were married. Divorce was unknown.

Roman MarriagesRoman Marriages

Young brides were married off by the age of 14.

The future husband and wife would hold hands in public – a sign that the woman agreed to be wedded to the man.

The woman chants “Quando tu Gaius, ego Gaia.” (When-and-where-you are Gaius, I then-and-there-am Gaia).

When is a good time to get married?When is a good time to get married?

Options for days of marriages were limited. February and May were forbidden dates June was a good month to marry in.

Night before the weddingNight before the wedding

Bride gives bulla or her birth locket to her father or to the lares.

She would also give up all her toys. She would try on her wedding dress.

EngagementEngagement

The Romans wore their engagement rings in the third finger of their left hand.

They believed that there was a nerve that connects the third finger to the heart.

Day of the WeddingDay of the Wedding

Mother of the bride would dress up her daughter.

Dress would be a straight tunic that reaches her feet.

Belt tied around her waist, only untied by her husband.

Wear bright yellow shoes.

Hair ArrangementHair Arrangement

Hair style– Tutulus The brides hair would be divided into six

locks. Coiled into cone shapes Prepared with a hasta recurva or a bend iron

spear. To drive out all the evil spirits in the woman’s

hair.

Hair ArrangementHair Arrangement

Over her head would be a flame colored veil.

Oblong and transparent Face uncovered Accompanied by a bridesmaid Topped with a wreath of flowers she has

gathered.

GroomGroom

Groom wears a toga He would have a wreath of flowers on his

head, similar to the brides.

Wedding CeremonyWedding Ceremony

Held in father of the bride’s house There has to be at least ten witnesses Cake offered to Jupiter—later would be

eaten by the bride and groom after offering.

After CeremonyAfter Ceremony

Dinner at the bride or groom’s house. End with passing of the cake. Bride will be escorted to the husbands

house Anyone will join the procession Walnuts will be thrown to them—fertility

for the new wife.

After the CeremonyAfter the Ceremony

Woman holds 3 coins.– One for the gods of the crossroads– Second was for her husband– Third for the lares of her husbands house

Man would throw nuts, sweetmeats and sesame cakes to the crowd.

After the CeremonyAfter the Ceremony

The mother of the bride would take the daughters hand as the groom would pretend to take his wife from her mother with force.

Once they reach the HouseOnce they reach the House

Bride will say “Quando tu Gaius, ego Gaia” once again.

Cover doorpost with wool—future works she is to do as the mistress.

Put oil and fat on the door. Bride carried by the groom to the inside of

the house to avoid her slipping the first time she enters the house (a bad omen).

Into the HouseInto the House

Guests would enter the house Doors closed for the crowd. Bride would light up the wood in the

fireplace with her marriage torch It will be blown out and tossed to the

guests who races for it.