The influence of paganism & Judaism on the Christian marriage rite

Abstract

In this dissertation I have included a study of the Pagan and Hebrew customs and traditions which have been used from the very beginning and which are still very important elements in the Christian marriage rite. These include: the rings; the holding of hands; the recital of the marriage vows; the giving away of the bride by the father; the covering of the head and face by a velum or flammeum (veil); the wreath, garland of flowers or tiara worn by the bride which represents the crowning of the bride and groom by the priest (which is not performed anymore today); the signing of the marriage contract - ketubah; and other customs and rituals which have either survived or have been lost with the development of the marriage rite as we know it today. I have also analysed the first centuries of Christian marriage with special reference to what the Church Fathers have written in this regard. Then I proceeded with the notion of Christian marriage as a sacrament; the elements of marriage as developed in the 1917 and 1983 Codes of Canon law; and the importance of matrimonial consent. Finally I have concluded by giving an outline of the present Christian marriage rite, which intertwines all the customs, coming down from pre-Christian traditions into a marriage rite that is ultimately based on sacrifice and love. Thus mirroring the passion and death of Jesus Christ who should be at the centre of every Christian marriage.