Justawoman
07-23-2005, 10:12 AM
While reading the current issue of Farm and Ranch I was reading the Farmer Almanac questions. This little bit of marital history was interesting to me so I thought I would share.
What was handfasting as it related to marriage? Did it have anything to do with bundling?
According to the answer bundling was the intended newlyweds sharing a bed, each well swaddled in their blankets. This was a way for the couple to get to know each other before marriage. It often took place when the fiancee came to visit and there was no proper guest room. Sometimes they would place a board between the couple.
Handfasting was a sort of trial marriage. In mediaval Scotland and England it was the normal term used for betrothal, or agreeing to a future marriage. Let's say John lost his wife well he might decide to handfast with the nurse or sister who take care of her. If the relationship didn't work, or someone more suitable came along, then there was no marriage.
Isn't this what we call living together now? Not such a new idea after all is it? According to what I read it can be traced as far back as the Romans. Interesting in deed.
What was handfasting as it related to marriage? Did it have anything to do with bundling?
According to the answer bundling was the intended newlyweds sharing a bed, each well swaddled in their blankets. This was a way for the couple to get to know each other before marriage. It often took place when the fiancee came to visit and there was no proper guest room. Sometimes they would place a board between the couple.
Handfasting was a sort of trial marriage. In mediaval Scotland and England it was the normal term used for betrothal, or agreeing to a future marriage. Let's say John lost his wife well he might decide to handfast with the nurse or sister who take care of her. If the relationship didn't work, or someone more suitable came along, then there was no marriage.
Isn't this what we call living together now? Not such a new idea after all is it? According to what I read it can be traced as far back as the Romans. Interesting in deed.