The Privy Report 2
Copyright© 2026 by Old Grey Duck
Chapter 37
“You may kiss the bride.”
“We’ve been invited to a wedding!” Sweetie announced when she got in from work.
“Oh? Who is it?” I turned to face her after checking dinner in the crock pot.
“Alejandro and Melissa, from work. They’re calling ‘ADTN’ of all things.” At my curious look she continued. “It means ‘About Damned Time Nuptials’.” she answered.
“But I thought they were already married!”
“No. Just living together. Some insurance stupidity and other things popped up so they are going to make it ‘legal’ and not have to worry about anything.”
The couple in question had been together for almost a decade, and Sweetie was a good friend of theirs because they all worked at the same medical facility. She told me when the civil ceremony would take place and there would be a party afterward. I made a note on that and said we needed to go gift shopping soon. What do you buy as a wedding gift for someone who has been with their partner for over ten years? We would find something, I was sure.
Weddings. We have all been to one, either as a participant or as someone there to observe and celebrate with the couple. And we all know that over time, the ceremonies and traditions surrounding these unions had always reflected the times and situations. Some serious, some amusing.
And so, in that vein, I offer the historical observations. (I wonder how they might be received today?)
Ancient Rome, 100AD: Pronuba Duty. Married women undress the bride and lead her to the marital bed, naked, while giving a speech about fertility. Outside the closed door, the best man makes jokes at the expense of the groom. The groom enters and joins his bride in the bed. Bridesmaids will linger within hearing range to make sure that the marriage is consummated. Once that is confirmed, everyone leaves the couple for the rest of the night.
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