There are many stories of the origin of a bride’s veil. Some say that the veil was introduced in ancient Rome. People of that era believed that evil spirits would be attracted to the bride, so they covered her face with a veil in order to conceal her features and confuse them. The definition of veil is to “obscure, shroud, mask or cover, so perhaps that is how the bridal “veil” got its name.
It’s also said the in medieval times, the veil was used to protect her from “the evil eye” and was a symbol of purity, chastity, and modesty.
Others say the the origin of the bridal veil was due to the circumstances of an arranged marriage. In days past, men bargained with an eligible young lady’s father for their hand in marriage. AFTER the ceremony, the veil was lifted to reveal the brides features. This was to keep a groom from backing out of the deal if he didn’t like what he saw.
Some say that the veil was used in days past as a symbol of a bride’s submission and willingness to obey her husband.
Certain lengths of bridal veils got their names from how or where they were worn. At one time, Cathedral Veils were only worn in wedding that took place in cathedrals.
Times have changed and the old meanings of wearing a wedding veil have faded away. Now, wearing a bridal veil:
• signifies a special event – A Wedding!
• signifies joy
• highlights the bride’s appearance and features
• is considered a bridal accessory and is the final crowning touch! Bridal Gowns are transformed with the addition of a veil. Some brides comment that they don’t “feel” like a bride until they have a veil on their head.
The past history of wearing a bridal veil has given way to new traditions. Over the past 20 years, traditions surrounding the bridal veil have changed even more. Veils were worn more frequently over the face (a blusher). Now, you don’t have to wear if over your face all all if you don’t want to.
Brides of our day are making their own wedding veil history! Star Jones of the popular Television show “The View” wore a 27′ FOOT long Veil–the longest known veil in history. It’s dubbed the “Star Cathedral Veil”. Her veil was two feet longer than Princess Diana’s Bridal Veil.
It also used to be that brides marrying for the second time were not supposed to wear a veil, especially a white veil. Nowadays, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a veil (even a white one) for a second marriage if you want to! (Don’t let anyone try to tell you different. It’s YOUR day! If you want to wear it, go ahead!)
The wearing of a bridal gown and veil is one of the big days in a woman’s life–Choose what YOU feel comfortable in and enjoy your special day!
