Armenian Marriage
The Escorts: Two “serious” matrons escort the bride. Bernard writes of the larger marriage procession as well, saying that “two attendants” walk on the side of the horse upon which she rides—these may be those same attendants. A younger relative of the groom acts as his “brideman,” and carries a sword to fend off possible attacks. A version of this tradition is still a part of some Armenian wedding ceremonies today, although it is usually a bride’s younger relative, who guards the door, than the groom’s.
The Veiled Bride: Supposedly, from the moment of engagement a young (virgin) bride will not even “show the whites of her eyes.” Thus, a full veil covering the face, like the one Picart creates, would be necessary. The bride must “conceal her charms and deceits” before the wedding night, per Bernard. During the wedding night, the groom puts out the candle before taking off the bride’s veil; Bernard notes, “travelers tell you that there are some Armenians who would not know their wives… every night they put the candle out before they throw off their veils, and seldom, if ever, show their faces by daylight.”
Armenian marriage celebrations are sometimes three or four days long, and Bernard notes that great care must be taken so the bride does not fall asleep. The joyful celebration usually begins, per Bernard, on Monday mornings and ends Thursday evenings.