The word honeymoon is thought to have originated in medieval times.
At that time, it was common for newlywed couples to drink mead (a fermented beverage made from honey) for a moon cycle (30 days) after their wedding.
This tradition was believed to bring good luck and fertility to the couple.
That’s right – many thought mead to act as an aphrodisiac. And what better way to kick-off a marriage than with promising fertility and virility?
Gifting a bride and groom with a month’s worth of free drinking was thought to up the chances of reproduction. Talk about no privacy.
If a baby was born nine months post-wedding, credit was given to mead. Hence, the term honeymoon.
References to mead have been found as early as the 5th century and it was in wide use by the Middle Ages. So it seems that the honeymoon tradition may be even older than our contemporary wedding traditions. When it’s time to bring festivities to a close, the wedding party gathers around the bride and groom. All fill their glasses with mead and toast to a happy life.
These days, a honeymoon is typically seen as a romantic vacation taken by newlyweds. It's a chance for the couple to spend some quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. If schedules don't allow for an immediate post-wedding getaway, it's never too late to carve out that special alone time with your loved one.
Whether you're planning an exotic getaway or something closer to home, make sure your honeymoon is everything you've dreamed of!
