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Traditions of marriage In Medieval times the bride and bridegroom kissed over a pile of small cakes When an enterprising baker decided to mass nil the cakes together and spread frosting over them the modem tiered wedding cake was born The practice of tossing bouquet originated during the Colonial period In American history when the bridal party seized the s stockings and tossed them over their shoulders at the bride and groom the first ones to hit the target ushers aiming for the groom and bridesmaids aiming for the bride the next to be married And with the Victorian era was born the white wedding gown a symbol of purity Marriage has survived through the ages and along with it tradition Although the customs rituals and beliefs associated with marriage and the wedding ceremony have been altered and updated they are stltl a part of the modemday wedding Courtships engagement rings flowers gifts the act of giving away the bride the exchange of vows and wedding Bands and the honeymoon all define this rite of passage From the days of the Romans traditions have been handed down changing along the way as they are reinterpreted by people The institution of the family was once thought of as a liaison formed for political economic and emotional security The partnership was often pre arranged with each member taking on clearly defined duties Today couples enter into marriage based on love The roles of husband and wife are as cut and dry as they were in the past partners grow Individually as well as together Although the original meanings of certain rituals have gone by the wayside the rites remain We no longer believe as did the citizens during the Middle Ages lhata vein runs from the ring finger to the heart However it is on this finger that the wedding band is still placed The Romans also believed that the goddess Juno bless cd those married In June Today the month of June Is still the most popular month in which to be wed And everyone gathers together dressed in special clothes to wish good luck and happiness to the new couple There is something special sacred about an action or belief that has 500 years of I LOVE YOU In so the story goes Emperor didsomething a different he presented hit bride to be with a diamond ring as a token hit affection If Max where here today he would shake his head in wonder at how his beautiful gesture has evolved Youre in Love lust as Max as In love and the time for a diamond Is now a diamond from McNamara Jewellers survived since Ihe days of Caesar passed from generation to generation by young old rich and poor Although recent years have shown a return to tradition the future will Inevitably bring further change as couples their THE HERALD Wednesday Aoril it ISM 11 Original gift ideas Need some original gift Ideas If possible find out the color and decorating preferences of the couple and select a wall hanging or painting that complements their taste Give a planter or hanging basket In an Interesting maerame weave made from various types of ropes and cords Fill the basket with a plant or a bouquet of flowers Champagne buckets wine decanters dishes bases and cheese boards are more traditional gifts yet items that are not commonly part of a newly put together household they are luxurious for the twosome just starting out Hobbyists will appreciate any addition to their favorite pastime such as the latest in camping gear sailing equipment or a weekend of skiing Ho one ever regretted buying Qualify And quality is one word that has been synonymous with Robert Furniture since the time it was founded Today Brides Grooms appreciate quality as their parents and grand parents did and they know that if it comes from Gougeons it must be quality to meet the high standards for which they are so well known for A piece of quality furniture is a lasting item which will be remembered long after the price has been forgotten If you are contemplating a furniture purchase in the near future we will gladly give you expert advice