Why does the Father give the bride away at a wedding?
Originally, it was because the father was literally giving his daughter to another man. Daughters were viewed more as property than anything else. It has its roots in the days of arranged marriages. Daughters were considered their father’s property. It was the father’s right to give his child to the groom, usually for a price. Today, it’s more of a symbol of the father giving his blessing for the marriage. Because of it’s original meaning, we’re not having my father ‘give’ me away. I’m not a fan of this tradition at all. Instead, I’m walking down the aisle by myself, and meeting my husband at the alter. Our pastor will ask BOTH of our sets of parents for their blessing over our relationship and marriage.
