As we all know, A honeymoon is a traditional vacation taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage in intimacy and seclusion
But do you know the History behind this?
Around the 5th century, most ancient societies used the lunar cycle as their calendar time. Back then, it was a mandatory custom for newlyweds to drink customary Mead (a honey-based alcoholic drink that was said to have aphrodisiac elements) during the first moon right after their marriage, in order to help enhance libido in the couple.
A few more centuries down the timeline, the concept of a honeymoon was again much different from the present day custom where couples go away just by themselves. In the 1900s, in Great Britain, newlyweds would go on a post matrimony tour, visiting relatives and friends who had not been able to attend the wedding. It was, in fact, a special time to forge new bonds – between the newly married themselves, and also with their friends and families.
Although culturally often honeymoon is seen as a solitary sexually passionate getaway for newlyweds, the real essence of the period called “honeymoon” is not so much about conjugal passion, rather about striking a fresh friendship, understanding and mutual compassion! As two entirely different people join each other’s lives, every couple most definitely need time to understand each other more, adjust with their new roles (as husband and wife from boyfriend and girlfriend / lovers ) , with the other person’s minute details and habits that, regardless of how long one has been dating, can only be understood and learnt while staying with them under the same roof. This needs ample time, single-minded dedication, effort and space. Therefore, to simply allow fostering of this newly readjusted friendship and bond between the pairs, which becomes impossible when back on the daily household and workplace grind, the custom of honeymoon still serves as a vital and pivotal nuance.
Even in ancient India, right after the wedding NEVER came the proverbial passionate first night! According to Vedic tradition, the ceremony of Garbhadaan, offering one’s womb to the husband’s lineage (the first conjugal sexual act) was conducted only half a lunar cycle after the big day. This interim period was meant for the newlyweds to strike a deeper friendship, understanding and genuine love for one another.
Our ancient cultures understood that more than physical pleasure and attraction, what served as a solid foundation to matrimony was mutual understanding, friendliness and trust. And every couple was hence given ample time just after the matrimonial ceremonies to know and understand each other well.
The present generation should focus on creating such solid foundation instead of just passing their time in exotic places.
The true essence of Honeymoon should not be forgotten.