Saturday, October 30, 2010

Midday Dinners

Prior to the 18th century, dinner was served at midday. During the Georgian period, the lower classes continued to eat this meal at midday since they could not afford a candlelit meal. The growing upper class began to dine later in the evening to show off their ability to provide lighting for servants to cook and serve a meal after sun down!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Honeymoon and Honey Mead

The Origin of the Honeymoon Tradition

     In European history, the Honeymoon was recorded as the tradition of kidnapping a lady and taking her as wife. A friend would help to hide the whereabouts of the kidnapper and bride from the rest of their families and neighbors. For the entire duration of capture, they would drink a honey wine called mead. This was to symbolize the sweetness of new love. Once the four phases of the moon pass, the couple would return home as husband and wife. The word Honeymoon was most likely derived from this drink and the monthly change in the phases of the moon; symbolizing the fading and growing of love throughout a marriage.
     The historical tradition of Honeymoon is very different from most Honeymoons today. The couples usually decide on the destination, time period, and activities of the getaway together. Some people even choose not to go away for their Honeymoon; instead, they opt to stay close to home where they have festivities planned.
     In modern day America, kidnapping a stranger, expecting them to fall in love with you, and having them feel alright about the whole ordeal would be unfathomable! This kind of Honeymoon would only exist in Hollywood films!
A Gift Exchanged by the Bride and Groom

     The tradition of exchanging a present on the wedding night has been around for a long time. It’s a symbol of appreciation for each other as husband and wife. In truth, it is not required for a couple to exchange presents. There are partners who are unaware of this special tradition. So why does it matter?
     SHE may not expect any presents from you upon entering the honeymoon suite. But you look her in the eyes, pronounce your love, and present her with a gorgeous gift of jewelry (a lovely pair of earrings or anything to go with her new sparkler). What happens next? She falls into your arms absolutely delighted, cries, and tells you that she will never ever forget this moment in her life. You are a hero.
    HE may have no expectations; after all, he is already married to the most fabulous woman in the entire world. So what happens when you walk up to him and present him with a watch that he has always wanted? Perhaps a pair of elegant cufflinks? There is no better way to show your admiration of how amazing he is- his beautiful vows that moved you to tears, his willingness to tuck in his shirt for once, or his patience with the daylong wedding photography- like a unique gift.
     There are so many ways to say “I love and appreciate you”. It does not have to cost much but make the gift and its presentation meaningful.

 A husband may forget where he went on his honeymoon, but he never forgets why. ~Anonymous