As you slip into something more comfortable and make your way on a glorious journey, have a chuckle as you think back on what the honeymoon used to entail.

In the days of old, man - usually assisted by an accomplice (known as the best man, although it is not clear whether this gave rise to the tradition of the modern groom`s best man) - used to literally capture his intended bride. Using a carefully planned `kidnap` strategy, he seized her, by force, and made his getaway swiftly. She was hidden and all attempts to recapture her would be fought off by him.

His objective was to keep her captive until she submitted to him. During this time he attempted to convince her to accept his suit. If she consented, the pair would come out of hiding and the man would then attempt to appease his future wife`s furious family with gifts.

(No mention is made of the hapless woman`s fate if she refused her captor`s courtship). After the couple was formally married they would celebrate their union publicly with mead, a wine made from fermented honey one month before, or `moon` after their marriage. Thus the origin of the word `honeymoon`. Today, the bride willingly participates in the getaway. The honeymoon destination is usually kept secret and the pranks and ploys set up by the reception guests to prevent the couple leaving are accepted and even expected. Both these traditions are directly linked to the ancient past.

Article source: LifeWorld