Bridal Headpieces Steeped in Tradition

Veils

There are almost as many wives' tales about how the tradition of brides wearing veils began as there are actual wives. In ancient Italy, Roman brides wore veils to ward off evil spirits. Back then, people believed that evil spirits would be attracted to brides, who were believed to be vulnerable to enchantments. Veils in ancient Rome were typically bright red or orange. The flame-colored, floor-length veils were supposed to frighten spirits.

Another early tradition suggests that veils symbolize the ritual of a man throwing a blanket over the head of a woman he's caught. Of course, hiding a bride's face took on added significance when arranged marriages were common. The veil would hide the bride's face from the groom, lest he change his mind at the last minute.

There's an old mythical suggestion that when a bride's veil connects her to her future. And of course, wearing white and covering a head has religious significance for purity in some traditions.

During the wedding ceremony, when the veil is lifted also sends a message. In many ceremonies, a father will often unveil the bride as he offers her to her betrothed at the altar. In others, the groom lifts the veil only once the couple is formally married and he is permitted to see his bride. Today, many brides choose to lift their own veils during the ceremony as a show of her independence.

Tiaras

Even though Prince William is off the market, every girl should feel like royalty at least once in her life. Most tiara traditions are, of course, related to royalty. Perhaps the most famous of wedding tiaras is the Isenburg Tiara. Most recently worn in 2011, Princess Sophie of Isenburg wore the diamond encrusted, floral designed tiara when she wed Prince Georg Friederich of Prussia. The tiara was made in Paris in the 1860s and has been worn by female members of the Isenburg clan on their wedding days. Sophie's sisters, Archduchess Katharina of Austria and Isabelle, Princess of Wied, also wore the family heirloom during their weddings.

Though most women don't have a tiara passed down through centuries, now might be the time to create such a tradition in your family. There are thousands of tiaras on the market, and if you want something more unique for your special day, a jeweler can create a custom tiara that can be passed down for generations.

Wedding Crowns

Similar to a tiara, a wedding crown or stefana, plays a meaningful role in Greek Orthodox weddings. In this same style of wedding, the groom gets to wear a crown. The crowns and the crowning ceremony symbolize several things. The crown itself is a visual reminder of what awaits a bride and groom in heaven – a crown. During the traditional crowing ceremony, a priest first places a crown on the head of the groom. As the priest places the crown, he recites a blessing three times. His crowning is followed by the crowning of the bride. The priest will again cite a blessing three times, symbolizing the blessing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Brides must consider a great deal when selecting their wedding attire. Wedding crowns in WI, and veils in Texas hold much symbolism and history. In the hustle to select the perfect dress, brides shouldn't overlook the importance of selecting the right headpiece.

Source : articlesbase.com