The veil is one of the oldest wedding symbols. For all the peoples of the world, the veil performed a protective function, protecting the bride from unkind and envious glances. In addition, the snow-white veil is a symbol of the bride's chastity.
The ancient meaning of veils
The veil as one of the most important wedding symbols appeared in the ancient world. However, it did not immediately acquire the traditional white color. In ancient Greece, brides wore a yellow veil, in ancient Rome - red. But the length of the veil in different countries was approximately the same - it almost completely covered the bride’s figure from head to toe. Moreover, it was believed that the longer the veil, the longer and happier the family life of the young spouses will be.
At the end of the wedding ceremony, the veil was solemnly removed from the bride, which meant her transition from parental authority to the husband's authority. However, there were brides with an independent character who themselves dropped the veil, thereby demonstrating the desire for equality with the spouse.
Initially, the veil was sewn from a dense, opaque fabric so that it completely covered the bride’s face not only from prying eyes, but also from the groom’s eyes. Only later she began to be sewn from transparent fabrics and lace, so as not to hide, but to emphasize the beauty of the bride. Since the white color of the veil is a symbol of chastity, a woman who is not getting married for the first time is not recommended to wear a veil. The veil acquired a modern look by the middle of the eighteenth century and since then has undergone only minor changes.
