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Something Old and Something New: Illustrating Spousal Ceremonies in "Religious Ceremonies of the Known World" Main Menu Spousal Ceremonies: An Introduction More on "Religious Ceremonies of the Known World" The "Idolatrous Peoples" of America Middle Eastern and Asian Spousal Ceremonies Western Europe and Armenia: Europe I Anglicans and Ankara: Europe II

Amsterdam Marriage Celebration

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D. A coach for the paranymphs and friends who accompany them to the church. Aine O'Connor
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1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration
E. A man who throws susgar-plums to the populace. Aine O'Connor
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1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration
F. A sergeant who makes way for the sledge through the crowd. Aine O'Connor
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1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration
Translation: A betrothed couple going to the church to be married. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration
A. The bridegroom and his bride. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration
B. A servant-maid throwing flowers at the couple. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration
C. A sledge for the betrothed couple. Aine O'Connor
Contents of this annotation:
1. Amsterdam Marriage Celebration

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Dutch Reformed Marriage Both the marriage ceremony and the following celebration are illustrated by Picart. By this point, the bride and groom had published their banns of matrimony three times, celebrated their engagement, and had the “Palmknoopen.” Now, it was time to be married. Bernard spends little time talking about the actual ceremony, exhausting more detail on the outdoor celebration. He writes simply, “the Parties present themselves at Church before their Pastor, who asks the Bridegroom whether they are mutually agreed to enter into that Holy State, and thereupon they join their right hands, and make an Exchange of the respective Rings.”

The Ceremony: Per Picart, the Dutch wedding ceremony takes place inside a typical church with a deacon presiding over the ceremony. Unfortunately, Picart does not explain the meaning behind the rug and kneelers in front of the couple, nor who most of the witnesses to the wedding could be. However, he does include an illustration of a young man waiting to collect alms from the couple. This is an interesting inclusion, and it is unclear, why, exactly, Picart felt it was so necessary.
The Revelers: Once the ceremony is complete, yet another party begins as the bride and groom leave the church. Bernard writes, “all imaginable care is taken to have the doorway handsomely adorned, and all the avenues thereof strewed with gilt flowers, in order, no doubt, to intimate to the public, that he is to be married on that day. At his first setting out a young girl throws some of those leaves in his face.” This seems to be the completion of the Palmknoopen, as the bride and groom’s friends also throw plants at them. Meanwhile, children play as sugar-plums and other candies are given out. Overseeing them all is a “sergeant,” who directs traffic.
The Carriage: The bride and groom’s carriage here is known as a “slee,” and is used to ferry the bride and groom away easily.
Gallery of Engravings