Marriage in ancient Rome
So, back in ancient Rome, people used to get married just like they do today. Marriage was a big deal and was considered one of the most important parts of a person's life. However, there were some differences in how they got married compared to how we do it now.
Now, when two people want to get married, they usually go to a church or a courthouse and say some promises to each other in front of witnesses. In ancient Rome, it was a little bit different. The first thing that would happen is that the man would ask the woman's father for permission to marry her. If the father said yes, then the couple would exchange engagement rings (just like we do now) and then start planning the wedding.
The wedding itself was a big event that usually took place over several days. On the first day, the couple would have a ceremony at the bride's house, where they would make some more promises to each other and exchange gifts. Then, they would have a big feast with all of their friends and family.
On the second day, the couple would have a second ceremony at the groom's house, and then another big feast. During the feast, the couple would eat a special cake made of wheat, salt, and water (yuck!) that was broken over the bride's head to symbolize fertility.
One of the most interesting things about marriage in ancient Rome is that it was considered both a public and a private affair. What does that mean? Well, it means that the wedding itself was a big public event that everyone was invited to, but the marriage itself was considered a private matter between the couple and their families. So, if the couple had any problems in their marriage, they would usually try to work them out themselves and wouldn't involve anyone else.
So, there you have it! That's how marriage worked in ancient Rome.
Now, when two people want to get married, they usually go to a church or a courthouse and say some promises to each other in front of witnesses. In ancient Rome, it was a little bit different. The first thing that would happen is that the man would ask the woman's father for permission to marry her. If the father said yes, then the couple would exchange engagement rings (just like we do now) and then start planning the wedding.
The wedding itself was a big event that usually took place over several days. On the first day, the couple would have a ceremony at the bride's house, where they would make some more promises to each other and exchange gifts. Then, they would have a big feast with all of their friends and family.
On the second day, the couple would have a second ceremony at the groom's house, and then another big feast. During the feast, the couple would eat a special cake made of wheat, salt, and water (yuck!) that was broken over the bride's head to symbolize fertility.
One of the most interesting things about marriage in ancient Rome is that it was considered both a public and a private affair. What does that mean? Well, it means that the wedding itself was a big public event that everyone was invited to, but the marriage itself was considered a private matter between the couple and their families. So, if the couple had any problems in their marriage, they would usually try to work them out themselves and wouldn't involve anyone else.
So, there you have it! That's how marriage worked in ancient Rome.