Buzz
From reality TV to The Beach Boys' tunes about Aruba and Jamaica, references to honeymoons are all around us. But have you ever wondered where the term 'honeymoon' actually originated?
The word's roots lie in Old English, specifically the term “hony moone.” The word
The earliest recorded use of the word dates back to 1542, when Samuel Johnson wrote: “The first month after marriage, when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure; originally having no reference to the period of a month, but comparing mutual affection of newly-married persons to the changing moon which is no sooner full that it begins to wane…”
But the skepticism doesn't end there. In 1552, author Richard Huloet wrote: “Hony mone, a term proverbially applied to such as be newly married, which will not fall out at the first, but th’one loveth the other at the beginning exceedingly, the likelihood of their exceadings love appearing to aswage, ye which time the vulgar people call the hony mone.”
The term “honeymoon” also traces its roots back to the 5th century, when societies measured time using moon cycles. During that period, newlyweds would drink mead (the “honey”) during the first moon of their marriage. Mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, was thought to have aphrodisiac effects.
Although most couples today use their honeymoon to enjoy privacy, it wasn't always the case. In 19th century Britain, newlyweds embarked on a bridal tour, where they visited friends and family members who were unable to attend the wedding celebration.
