Honeymoon in Ancient Greece

Honeymoon is a custom originated in Ancient Greece and is now celebrated by couples all over the world. These days honeymoon is the very first trip taken by newlyweds after their wedding, to celebrate their marriage, even though the first meaning is much different. 

In modern times the couple is already familiar with one another and by celebrating their honeymoon they celebrate their choice to spend together the rest of their lives. However, in ancient times and even until some decades ago this was not the way a marriage was taking place. Couples were getting married through arranged marriages, and therefore it was very likely to find themselves married (sometimes even without their consent) to a complete stranger, who they had never met before. Thus, honeymoon was the first month couples spent together in order to get to know each other and fall in love.

In Ancient Athens both men and women would stop working for a whole month after their marriage. In Ancient Sparta, instead, they would carry on with their everyday life. The Teutons (inhabitants of the northern ocean coasts) used to drink mead every morning, afternoon and night, for thirty days straight after the wedding. It is even said that Attila died after drinking too much mead. Moreover, many historians associate the healing of the Greek hero Philoctetes with “terra sigillata” and Lemnos’ thyme honey.

Honey is generally considered to be strengthening and even aphrodisiac, when consumed with walnuts or other nuts.