WHY FATHERS TRADITIONALLY WALK THEIR DAUGHTER DOWN THE AISLE

WHY FATHERS TRADITIONALLY WALK THEIR DAUGHTER DOWN THE AISLE

Lhia Ubaldo | August 12, 2020

Some traditions will never change.

As times continue to change and weddings gradually evolve, one thing still remains: there is nothing more heart-warming when fathers walk their daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

You’ve always known Dad would walk you down the aisle. Now that special moment is coming quicker than you can imagine, and you can’t wait to share this special moment as father and daughter.

THE FATHERS TRADITION TO WALK THEIR DAUGHTER DOWN THE AISLE GOES WAY BACK 

Long, long ago, it was very common for women to have either arranged marriages or be purchased by their future groom so-to-speak. The root word “wedd” of Anglo-Saxon derivation actually means a “pledge” or “vow”. This either referred to the groom vowing to marry the woman or it meant the barter money or trade agreement with the bride’s father for his daughter. The actual word wedding refers to a “wager”.

Therefore, the bride’s father would setup a type of contract with the groom that he would barter for land, social status, or even political reputation, which back then was as significant as it is today. Women in those days was known to be property of her father and so the transferring of “ownership” to her groom on her wedding day was indeed a legality.

The tradition of “giving away” would signify that the bride’s family would no longer have control over her or her possessions and that her husband would respectfully take on the responsibilities and obligations that her father once boasted. The tradition of taking his hand and placing the groom’s on the bride’s is symbolic of the “passing” of his property or duty.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE: HOW IT IS TODAY

Has there been changes in today’s father and daughter walking down the aisle practice or tradition? What does a father’s act of passing off his daughter to his future son-in-law mean today? Do they still have a contractual agreement? No, of course not. It is more of a symbol of his blessing and wish of good health and happiness to the couple. In fact, in modern times, the mother is often more involved in some situations as the parents together may be asked the question of who gives the bride away by the officiant.

But while this blog highlights about beloved dads, we’d like to let you know what their roles are when it comes to their daughter’s big day:

WALKING DOWN THE AISLE

In this role the father gives his daughter away to her new husband and his family. His main duty is to get her to the church on time and walk her down the aisle to where the groom is waiting. The occasion will no doubt be emotional and some dads may be tempted to have a heartfelt father daughter chat as he walks her down.

MAKING A SPEECH

During the reception, it is customary for the father of the bride to make a short speech, thanking the guests and those that have helped with the wedding planning, and talking a little about his daughter and new son-in-law. At the end of the speech the father of the bride usually proposes a toast to the happy couple.

THE FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

Mostly, all dads are very stiff and shy on the dance floor, but the father-daughter dance can be one of the happiest moments and emotional at the same time for both of them.

CONTROLLING THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Finally, the day came when mommy’s precious little baby girl leaves the nest. A daughter getting married can have an unusual effect on her mother. But at the end of the day, it’s still their daughter’s wedding, and the father might need to remind his wife of that from time to time.

While a father’s love is forever enduring and the life he and his daughter have shared under the same roof will never be forgotten, she now has the opportunity to begin her own life as a married woman and start her own journey into the future. Some may call it “giving her away” and some may call it “giving her his blessing”, but a father really gives the best of his love on that bittersweet day in time.

 

Still have a questions why Fathers traditionally walk their daughter down the aisle? Drop us a comment and let’s see how we can expound further on the topic.