June was traditionally the most popular month to marry, and still very common. This is, in part, because the goddess Juno, for whom June is named, was the protector of women in all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing, so a wedding in Juno’s month was considered quite auspicious.
The idea of June weddings also comes from the Celtic calendar. On the cross-quarter day of Beltane, or May Day (May 1), young couples would pair off to court for three months and then be wed on the next cross-quarter day (Lammas Day, August 1). Youths, being impatient, prompted the waiting period to be moved up to mid-June and the popularity of June weddings was born.
Of course, June also (usually) brings good weather so it was (is) easier for guests to travel by horse-drawn buggy or airplane.
I got married in June, so it must most certainly be a good idea. We were young and impatient, just like the Celts. Forty-two years later we are not so young, but more patient.
I love this photo – Thai brides-to-be competing in the ‘Running of the Brides’ event in Bangkok, Thailand. Six hundred people competed in the race, which gave away prizes worth two million baht or $61,000 US dollars. This race actually took place in December, which means about now, some lucky bride has already had or about to have a fancy-pantsy wedding.
Martin Luther said “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
If every married couple truly lived that line, it would change the world.