Wedding ceremony

Question 1

What are the two types of marriage in Roman tradition?

Answer 1

Cum manu and sine manu

‘Cum manu’ means ‘with hand’, indicating a form of marriage where the wife is under the husband’s authority, while ‘sine manu’ means ‘without hand’, where she remains under her father’s authority.

Question 2

What is the flame-coloured bridal veil called in Roman weddings?

Answer 2

Flammeum

The flammeum was a traditional bridal veil worn by Roman brides, symbolizing fertility and protection.

Question 3

What does the term ‘iunctio dextrarum’ refer to?

Answer 3

The symbolic joining of hands

This act is a significant part of Roman wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the union of the couple.

Question 4

What was one of the traditional customs involving the bride’s mother during the wedding?

Answer 4

Pretending to pull the bride away by force

This custom symbolized the transition of the bride from her family to her new husband.

Question 5

What phrase did the bride traditionally say to her husband during the ceremony?

Answer 5

Ubi tú Gaius, ego Gãia

This translates to ‘Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia’, indicating the bride’s commitment to her husband.

Question 6

What was the chief purpose of Roman marriage according to marriage contracts?

Answer 6

Producing and bringing up children

This reflects the societal expectation of marriage as a means to ensure family lineage and continuity.

Question 7

What was the custom involving the bride’s hair during Roman weddings?

Answer 7

Careful arrangement parted with the point of a spear and divided into six plaits

This intricate hairstyle was part of the ceremonial preparation of the bride.

Question 8

What did the bridegroom present to the bride as part of the wedding rituals?

Answer 8

Fire and water

This presentation symbolized the bridegroom’s care and the establishment of a new household.

Question 9

True or False: The Roman government encouraged marriage and large families.

Answer 9

True

Various laws and policies were enacted to promote marriage and childbirth.

Question 10

What was the traditional wedding feast held?

Answer 10

At the bride’s house

This was a celebratory gathering following the wedding ceremony, involving family and friends.

Question 11

What was the role of a ‘matrona univira’ in a Roman wedding?

Answer 11

To undress the bride

A matrona univira was a woman who had only been married once, symbolizing purity and the proper conduct of the ceremony.