This blog post will answer “Why Does the Bride Stand on the Left?”
Traditions are an important part of a wedding ceremony. They give the event meaning and make it more memorable for those in attendance. From the order of events to the way you dress, certain things must happen in a certain way. One tradition often followed at weddings is where the bride stands on the left side during the ceremony.
This article will cover reasons for standing on the left and compare it with different traditions and cultures. We’ll also explore what happens when someone breaks from tradition – such as in Jewish weddings where both sides are honored – and how this can spark controversy or confusion among guests.
Why does the bride stand on the left in the ceremony?
The bride stands on the left side of the altar in most Western and Eastern cultures. This position is chosen because it is the position of honor. The tradition of standing on the left can be seen in many cultures, but it’s not universal to all cultures or religions.
For example, the bride stands on the groom’s right-hand side during a Jewish wedding ceremony, and both sides are honored: Both the bride and groom sign the Ketubah (marriage contract), so they are equal.
In Jewish weddings, both sides are honored, and nobody is relegated to a “left” side or “right.” In Asian culture, it can depend on whether they’re Buddhist or Hindu. For example, Buddhists walk around an object three times while Hindus only do one time when entering a temple.
How does standing on the left during a wedding ceremony honor one side?
The traditional custom of having the bride stand on her husband’s right-hand side can be traced back to when women were seen as property to be given from father or guardian to their husbands. The decision to stand on the groom’s right-hand side was made to protect the bride from being seen as an object by other men.
By having the bride stay next to her husband, she is protected and becomes a possession of only one man, who has promised his protection for life. The lines in between their bodies symbolize that they are now becoming one person and a single unit.
A bride stands on her groom’s right side to signify that she is now his wife and will be with him for the rest of their lives as his “right hand,” not just during a wedding ceremony. The significance of this tradition has changed over time, but it still holds its meaning today as an essential symbol in society.
This tradition also dates back to the Middle Ages when the groom kept his left hand free to protect his new wife from attack if anyone tried to steal her away from him.
Final Thoughts
So, now you know why the bride traditionally stands on the groom’s left side. Many other wedding traditions have been passed down through generations, but these are just a few of the most popular. What do you think about this tradition? Is it outdated and no longer needed, or does it still hold significance today as an important symbol in society?
Let us know in the comments below!
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