Bring Back the Honeymoon Tradition!
The term “honeymoon” is rooted to the European tradition of giving a newlywed couple a gift of a month of mead. Long before a honeymoon became synonymous with a vacation getaway, European cultures were treating the first month of marriage as a vital step toward a fertile union.
Arranged marriages were the norm among nobles as well as the common folk in many cultures for millennia. Along with the hand of the bride, the bride's family was expected to make an offering to the new couple. Usually a dowry – cash, land, a goat – but a common accompaniment was a healthy serving of mead. This tradition can be documented as far back as the 5th century and likely goes back much further.“
One mon’s worth” was the typical measure of the gift. For so many reasons, this makes sense. Particularly when you consider that the goal was… offspring. For the new, probably awkward, couple, a few drinks made things a little lighter and easier. In moderation, of course. In addition to relaxation, mead was considered an aphrodisiac generating a bit more enthusiasm from both parties.
Ideally, the couple exited their first month with child, soon to be ready to take on the grand task of plowing the fields and tending the animals. While it may seem more utility than celebration, it was a fun tradition. That first month of marriage is an important time for a new couple and should be as happy and stress-free as possible. The gift of honey reflected this sentiment and sought to cement their future together.
Our modern word has its roots in old English “Hony Moone,” documented back to the 1500’s. There is writing that speaks to a cautionary tale for newlyweds, warning them of the frailty of love in the passing of time, encouraging the couple to enjoy this moment and celebrate. Like many traditions, this interpretation is likely a medieval twist of the even earlier traditions to align it closer to the beliefs of the time. And, much like the earliest honeymoons, today’s culture treats this beginning as a joyous occasion, special to the couple, though fleeting.
Bring It Back!
With over 200 meaderies in the US, today, it is easy to bring the Honeymoon tradition back to its roots. No matter where you live you can probably find some mead in your liquor store. Better yet, google a meadery nearby and get it right from the source. And, when all else fails, you can buy it online. No excuses!
Many people struggle to find the right gift for a friend or family, but it’s staring you right in the face! Sure, you can get the flatware and give a check, but how cool would you be if you gave them some mead! Bring back a tradition that was so perfectly brilliant that it has lasted millennia, barely changed. Along with your gift, you can impress them with your deep knowledge about early cultures and traditions.
This year, we’ve offered a limited-time package of two of our fan-favorite meads: Harmony and Bliss. Though this was our holiday seasonal bundle, it also makes for a great wedding gift!
And why limit the Honeymoon to just marriage? What about other big life events? Major anniversaries and birthdays, housewarming, birth of a child (clearly, the honeymoon worked!), you name it. Think creatively! The Honeymoon gift isn’t just for marriage… it’s that fleeting moment in time that is perfect and fragile and should be celebrated. They should toast to it with the most ancient of drinks.
