Veils are a beautiful and traditional addition to a bridal ensemble, and while they look like a simple piece, the veil has a rich history dating back centuries ago.
Since medieval times, the bridal veil has been a symbol of purity, chastity and modesty and its origin even predates the wedding gown, according to a bridal website by Lucy Hayes.
The word 'veil' means to mask, disguise or cover and in ancient Rome, it was believed that evil spirits would be attracted to the bride so a veil would cover the face and confuse the evil spirits in order to protect the bride, according to Ms Hayes' website.
In ancient Rome, it is said that the brides wore a flame-coloured veil to scare off these spirits.
According to the information, early traditions also believe the origin of the veil comes from the strange ritual of a groom throwing a blanket over the head of the woman of his choice when he captured her and carted her off. Others believe the veil is linked to the concept of arranged marriages and was used to obscure the woman's face in case the groom did not like what he saw and tried to back out of the agreement.
Veils are usually either white or ivory to match the dress and the association with purity.
Ms Hayes also highlights how the lifting of the veil can occur in a number of ways to symbolise different things. If the bride's father lifts the veil as he presents her to the groom at the altar, he is offering his daughter to the groom. When the groom lifts the veil himself after the ceremony he is seen to be taking possession of the wife, signifying his dominance in the marriage. If the bride chooses to lift her veil, she demonstrates independence.
In many religions, the veil represents humility and respect before God during a religious ceremony.
During the Victorian era (the period of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901) the weight, length and quality of the veil was used to indicate the bride's status. This might explain why royal brides have the longest veils and trains.
Traditional items like veils may not hold the same significance to some people today and many brides may decide not to wear a veil at all. But, if nothing else, the veil provides the perfect finishing touch to a bridal ensemble.
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