H.I.R. – What’s With These June Brides

Hi Everybody,
Just being a H.I.R. (Historical Investigative Reporter) and shedding light on a little bit of history. Today’s lesson: What’s with these June Brides?

WHEN THE BRIDE MARRIES IN JUNE…AND CARRIES FLOWERS

Have you ever wondered where bridal traditions come from? For instance, why do so many brides marry in June? And what’s with brides carrying floral bouquets?

Well, it seems that in olden times, people were not big on taking baths. (I know, I know, you’re probably thinking that some people aren’t big on taking baths today, but let’s stick to the subject at hand, shall we?) People weren’t particularly fond of taking baths in the winter, when the water was frigid and the result was joint stiffness and frostbite.

Most people simply took a yearly bath. Of course, they crawled with vermin and stunk to high heaven throughout the remainder of the year, but this arrangement made sense to them in the early days.

In fact, I ran across an old saying that went something like this: “A bath when you’re born and one when you die will see thee through the Pearly Gates!”

All I can say is…yuck!

Understandably, people chose to take their yearly baths in May, after the cold weather broke. Once they bathed, they smelled so good, their thoughts turned to sweet love, and how to attract the opposite sex.

Most brides chose June as the perfect “marrying month” because they still smelled pretty good, and were not likely to offend their husband-to-be too badly.

Of course, it didn’t take long before the putricity (bad smell) began to assert itself again, so these clever ladies chose to carry a bouquet of flowers to mask their ever-intensifying body odor.

I could not locate a record that explained whether the grooms were as thoughtful about keeping their smells from offending their brides.

In any event, this is where the custom of June brides carrying beautiful floral bouquets came from.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this little bit of history.

Best wishes and happy writing,

Rita Lorraine
PS – Remember my slogan: I’m not a she, I’m a H.I.R.