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Honeymoon
A honeymoon after marriage is the usual norm and is
expected to be followed by the newly weds. For centuries
it has become almost a ritual and couples and their
families plan honeymoon trips way in advance. In fact,
for some couples, planning for the honeymoon is as important
as planning for their wedding. Very few couples, embarking
on a honeymoon, raise the question of how the idea of
a honeymoon originated or who instigated it and which
culture was the first one to carry it out. Ideally a
honeymoon is the first time the husband and wife gets
an opportunity to spend time together and relax after
the hectic wedding event.
Various Honeymoon stories
However, the earliest trace of a honeymoon concept
was way back in the 16th century wherein the ancient
Babylon tradition, the bride’s father would present
the groom with a drink known as mead (honey wine), which
he was to drink in the first month of his marriage.
This drink was supposed to boost fertility. Although
many accepted this story, historians do not verify the
same since the word honeymoon was not used.
Another version of a strange honeymoon ritual comes
from Norse beginnings and is termed as “hjunottsmanathr”.
Herein the brides were kidnapped from other tribes and
the groom was supposed to hide his bride till the time
her parents and family stopped looking for her. This
period of the hideout was a honeymoon period for them.
In the Northern European countries, the moon was symbolic
of the monthly body cycle and honey was in reference
to the first few months of the couples’ marriage.
It was almost a word of caution that the future moons
may not be as sweet as the honeymoon.
Modern honeymoons
No matter what the stories of origination are, the
honeymoon has become an inseparable custom in today’s
time. The perception of it has altered, but the bottom
line remains intact; that this is a period for husband
and wife to spend quality time together. Couples have
started instilling new innovative ways to plan their
honeymoon trips. From mere sightseeing venues the trips
have transformed to adventurous honeymoon tours where
couples can engage in activities like hiking, swimming,
mountaineering and camping. The not so adventurous types
simply go to distant and unexplored places where they
are away from the city.
Honeymooning spots where couples can unwind range from
beach places, historical venues, trekking and hiking
grounds to expensive romantic getaways and distant islands
as well. Selecting a place for your honeymoon requires
a lot of thought and the couple must take into consideration
each other’s likes and dislikes. The couple needs
to take the decision collectively by contemplating the
choices they have and narrowing it down to the ones
where they will feel most comfortable with and most
of all enjoy their time together.
Today, tour companies organize a lot of honeymoon tours.
This gives several couples a chance to undertake a group
tour so that they can interact with other newly weds
on their trip. The honeymoon is a memorable experience
for every couple and though people may also go on their
second and third honeymoons, nothing can be as charming
and treasured as the first one.
Honeymoon Deals
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