The term ‘honeymoon’ is a common phrase in the English language, but you might not know where it comes from.
Celtic traditions and folklore expert Seren Hawley-Plows recently revealed how the term is much older than most people think.
In a TikTok video, she explained that some sources trace it back to fifth century Europe, while the word’s meaning is quite literal.
“We call it a honeymoon because traditionally after a couple was wed, they would drink mead – a fermented honey drink for a full moon cycle after their wedding, hence the term ‘honey and moon’,” Seren clarified.
She further noted that mead, known as a potent aphrodisiac, was thought to boost fertility, symbolising good fortune for newlyweds. However, the term’s meaning has evolved over time.
“Most people now recognise it as a period of time in which newly weds take off together – usually in the form of a holiday abroad,” she stated. Wrapping up her video, Seren asked her 29,000 followers: “What do you think? Should we bring back the traditions behind this meaning and instead encourage newlyweds to drink mead for a full moon cycle after their wedding?”
One follower responded: “As a mead brewer, it’s my standard wedding gift… all for bringing it back.” Another agreed: “Well not everyone can afford a holiday but a tradition of mead that could be brought by others even would be a great way to reinvigorate the tradition.”
Seren added further information in her caption: “Most of us go through our entire lives unaware that we are carrying on traditions which are hundreds (if not thousands) of years old. Before church weddings became the normality, people used to get married in many ways, such as handfasting and jumping over the fire. These were usually nature ceremonies and took place outdoors, in the land, especially at certain times of year such as Beltane and Lughnasadh.
“The ceremonies focused on love, fertility, and the celebration of nature. In fact Beltane is well-known as a fertility festival, as it is the height of spring and many handfasting and other wedding practices would take place on this day to reflect the symbolism of the festival.”
