Where does the term "tie the knot" come from in relationship to marriage?

Question

Where does the term "tie the knot" come from in relationship to marriage?

Answer 1

It appears there are several theories ... you get to choose which one you like best.

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/38240...  

Answer 2

you tie a knot... both strings are stuck together....

same in marriage. you get married.... everything you have is combined-- including each other.

Answer 3

It's celtic.  Very old tradition/ritual.  It's interesting reading.  Google it.  

Answer 4

because you will be tied together in everything so it is similar to a knot..

Answer 5

t isn't clear whether this expression derives from an actual knot used in marriage ceremonies or whether the knot is merely symbolic of a lasting unity. Knots have a place in the folklore of many cultures and usually symbolize unbreakable pledges. Actual knots have certainly been used in marriage ceremonies for some time and the tradition of trying the wrists of the bride and groom with twine continues today in marriages in the use of sashes which are placed over the principal's wrists.

"In the seventeenth century, one or two of the bride-favours were always blue. These were knots of coloured ribbons loosely stitched on to the wedding gown, which were plucked off by the guests at the wedding feast, and worn as luck-bringers in the young men's hats."

Answer 6

This is what I have always heard..........

During the Roman Empire times, the Bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots. Before the couple consummated the marriage, the Groom would untie the knots on the girdle in order to undress his new Bride. So you would think it should be called....untying the knot..... but the knots had to be tied in order to get married.............. and as you have probably seen on movies.... it takes a long time to untie and all those knots....that is what you call...... anticipation.......

Answer 7

My guess would be that back in 1780 when marriage rituals took place the groom wraps a string around the finger of the bride and ties the knot