Just as civilization has moved from east to west, the origins of the bridal veil can also be traced to the near east, where the veils served the practical purpose of protecting the bride from burning sun and dust in the Middle Eastern desert. In those early days, there was also the very real possibility of women being kidnapped or snatched because of their beauty ? just as Abraham feared in the Bible ? it was therefore prudent for a woman to wear a veil in order to protect both herself and her husband from harm.
As the veils crossed over into Europe, it maintained some of its old functions while acquiring other practical or symbolic functions. One trait that marriages in the East and those in the West had in common was that they were negotiated or arranged with the parents or the father. The lucky couple would often meet for the very first time on their wedding day. It is therefore easy to see how the notion that it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before wedding could have come about. And so we find that in ancient Greece and again in Rome the veil was worn to protect against ill luck, or to drive away evil spirits or evil eyes harboring evil designs.
Though Europe and Middle East were often at odds, cultural exchange continued unabated, and the rise of Islam strengthened Arab influence in Europe. Europe's crusading armies also brought back Arab culture from the east as part of their war booty. It was in those days that the veil became an article of fashion, and perhaps was even worn to entice men. But just as veils tend to consecrate objects and spaces - such as the legal ?corporate veil? or the veils worn by Muslim women and Christian nuns -, the bridal veil also came to symbolize such virtues as chastity and modesty.
Weddings or marriages have always been thought of as religious enterprises, but as the West moved through the ?renaissance? and the ?age of reason? they tended to drop, more or less, the traditional religious significance associated with the bridal veil ? though shades of these still linger ? but much symbolism has been retained but with different meanings. For example, the lifting of the veil still symbolizes the taking of possession of the bride by the groom just as the girl is ?given away? by her father or other relative. But even this may be under threat as some brides now prefer to lift their own veils as a sign of equality with the men.
In the present era, as social and kinship ties have tended to weaken as people become more individualistic; the bridal veil seems to be rapidly losing its significance. Everybody now seems to be more concerned with its fashionable aspects.
On the most special day of the bride's life it is of the utmost importance that she looks her best and that she feels like a princess so that she can impress her husband, her guests, and everyone that she cares about. A beautiful bride will certainly be a happy bride because she won't have to worry about the way she looks or that she didn't pick out all the perfect accessories. One of the most important parts of the ceremony of the bridal wear is the veil because it is the way her father symbolically gives her up to her new husband. Also, it is just such a vital part of her beauty on that day that you really want to get it right. So call your bride over and tell her to start some shopping, online shopping that is, for the perfect veil to suite her tastes, style, and personality. You should also keep in mind that you want to fit everything in with your decorations and the atmosphere of your wedding, so pick something bold to fit an outrageous theme, or something softer to be more traditional. There are a lot of subtle variations on a veil that can enhance the appearance of the dress immeasurably as long as you pick it out correctly.
Scattered Pearl and Satin Rib Edge Veil:
This veil is quite long and gives a kind of princess feel to the outfit. Choosing this whimsical veil will certainly enhance a fairytale theme or any other fantastical thing you can imagine. The veil is transparent mesh fabric and has a border edge of pure white satin. Also, embedded in the mesh veil are scattered pearl like stones that will capture the attention of your guests as well as reflect the light and make your bride shine remarkably.
Rhinestones and Silver Scalloped Edge Veil:
This veil will also capture the light and give your bride all the sparkling magic she needs to feel utterly stunning on her special day. This veil is a two tiered layer of tulle and is transparent to add a sense of ephemerality and beautiful elegance. The border on this veil is made out of a shining silver fabric and rhinestones are cast throughout the tulle like the pearls in the previous example of a veil. This will really make your bride feel sophisticated, grown up, and truly elegant.
Pearl Contiuous Bridal Veil:
This Pearl Continuous Edge Veil will be an excellent choice for any Bride to use on her wedding day.
This Pearl Continuous Edge Veil features White Standard Tulle that is two-tiered, with a continuous pearl edge. The wonderful and elegant Pearl Continuous Edge Veil features simple row of beads along the bottom of the veil. This Pearl Continuous Edge Veil puts the perfect touch to a timeless and classic veil style. The Pearl Continuous Edge Veil measures 72 inches wide with total measurements being 32 inches by 37 inches.
The Bride will look stunning and elegant in this simple Pearl Continuous Edge Veil.
Both Jason Hennessey & Joe Palladino are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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