Thursday, May 14
A Follow-Up on Wedding Customs
A friend writes, in regards to the use of the Missal as the Pax-brede at a Tridentine wedding, and its relation to the first kiss of the bride and groom:
The pax-brede kiss was carefully researched (by me [he writes]) and is a medieval custom. Other medieval customs that we left out are:The pall (reminiscent, intentionally or not, of the Jewish huppah) is particularly well-known as a Sarum rite custom. At the wedding of one of my favorite medievalizing architects, the great Ninian Comper, four servers in rochets held up a blue silk veil over the bride and groom, a striking example of the revival of this practice.
* The pall held over bride and groom during nuptial blessing. (Couldn't find a beautiful one).
* The lit candles held by bride and groom until after the epistle (I think) at which point the priest takes them, blows them out, and places them on the altar. I think it's about dying to self in order to let Christ become your light. (We were worried our hands would shake and we'd drop the candles).
* The binding of the hands. (The priest vested for Mass before the wedding ceremony, having no cope, and so his stole was stuck underneath his cincture).
![[SMMMHDH]](http://www.mgilleland.com/music/smmmhdh.png){kind=small}
