Can someone tell me the story behind the veil?

Question

What does it represent? My mom wants me to wear one, but I don't want to and she said that people will be talking about me if I don't (pre marital s*x or whatever). Not that I care what people say, but I always thought that if you covered your face with the veil when you walk down the aisle, it meant you are not a virgin. Help please! Thanks.

Answer 1

Wearing a veil was supposed to mean that you WERE a virgin. Actually there are many different reasons for that particular tradition. One of my favorites(and a more honest one) is that before the virgin thing, the veil was worn to conceal the face of the bride. Long ago most marriages of consequence were arranged, political affairs. There was always the fear that the groom wouldn't like the look of the bride and run screaming for the hills, destroying whatever delicate negotiations the parents were involved in. The best man and ushers were not only there to back up the groom in case the brides family tried to take her back, they were there to stop the groom from escaping should he change his mind. The veil also blocked the bride's view of her groom(hence her father escorting her down the aisle: she couldn't see). The custom of not seeing the bride before the wedding probably stemmed from this fear, too.

Another was that the veil was supposed to protect the innocent bride from evil spirits.

Answer 2

It stems from Biblical times. A bride who was a virgin was sold to her husband covered in a veil that was so thick he couldn't see through it, so he couldn't back out of the marriage contract if he didn't like what she looked like, etc. When they consummated the marriage, then the veil was removed and he got to see for the first time who she was.

Nowadays, the veil is simply used as aesthetics and has no meaning attached to it anymore, the same as any other traditional element that is used.  

Answer 3

I've heard that is kinda a symbol of your old life when your face is covered and when your new husband un veils you then you are starting a new life.  

Answer 4

it represents women who are virgins. if you cover your face, it hides it from the world to show that you are a single girl. It's sort of like the Indian traditions when they have to cover their faces. Once the veil is removed from your face, it represents that you are married and you will consummate  

Answer 5

Ask her how a veil can prove / unprove you're a virgin. Tell her if she can give you a scientic answer, u'll wear one.

Who cares if you are a virgin anyway? Does your fiance mind? you are not marrying everybody else, so they should mind their own business. Gossipy people are going to talk anyway (o the bride is fat / dress is ugly / makeup too heavy / shoes not matching, etc). So just let them be.

I actually prefer not to wear one too. But my fiance prefers the 'you may now lift the veil and kiss the bride' thing. So i'm gonna stick with it! Its a really beautiful one and I dont mind wearing.

If the design of your dress doesn't go well with a veil, skip it.

By the way, congrats!

Answer 6

In today's society, the veil does not mean anything. You can wear one or not, and you can wear it with a blusher (the part that covers your face) or not, and it means NOTHING about your modesty or virginity. It only matters if a veil means something to you. Not a single guest will read anything into it if you don't wear one.

Answer 7

http://www.veilubridal.com/history-brida...

They have some information about the veil on this site!

Answer 8

Those stories are rubbish!  Wear what you want to wear.  I got married a few weeks ago...I had borrowed a friend's veil, tried it on before the wedding and promptly tossed it aside.  It looked silly on me and I refused to wear it!  It's your day, do it your way!  Best of luck to you!