The idea of a bedding ceremony has always fascinated me with a mix of curiosity and horror. I can’t imagine a new bride’s nerves, often times meeting her husband for the first time, being made to endure such a terrible event.
Which is why I had to write about it.
Technically the first recorded bedding ceremony occurred in the 1400’s, which is a century later than this story takes place. However, it’s not uncommon in history prior to the 1600’s to not have written record of events taking place due to the high cost of vellum (See the Author’s Note in Ella’s Desire for more information on this). Notes about life in general are hard to find because it didn’t seem worth the expense or time to write down such things that were then considered mundane. Ergo, even if something wasn’t recorded until a later date, it didn’t mean it didn’t exist then. This is an overriding theme in history regarding accuracy.
The bedding ceremony was done for two reasons. The first of which was as we all guessed: to confirm consummation and prevent any future attempts at annulment. But there it was also done as part of community. I know it sounds weird to think about your family and friends gathering around you in such an intimate setting, but for some, it was their really weird way of offering comfort and support. I know, I know… No, thanks! LOL
Generally, the couple changed behind screens into their night clothes, then tucked into bed in front of many watchful eyes. Now, men would typically be wearing night shirts as well. And, yes, they did look like nightgowns. Sometimes they even wore night caps too. In this story, Ewan is naked from the waist up and that is 100% creative liberty, because let’s face it – even Ewan in a night cap and nightgown would be decidedly unsexy.
Once tucked into bed, the couple was blessed by the priest, the curtains around the bed were drawn shut and the couple was left alone. This is a generalization of the chain of events. Sometimes there were additional rituals incorporated, like the bridesmaids throwing stockings on the bed to see who might marry next, or food being eaten after they were put to bed and before everyone left. Sometimes the couple was even expected to come back to the wedding party when it was done.
It definitely is a piece of history better left in the past. I can’t even imagine how uncomfortable it must be to go through something so socially awkward. I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit in history and how I used it to in Faye’s Sacrifice.