Why Is A Honeymoon Called A Honeymoon? The Origin of Honeymoons

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Have you ever paused to ponder the story behind the meaning of honeymoon and why is a honeymoon is called a honeymoon?

The origin of honeymoons is shrouded in the mists of history, with myths and stories from ancient times.

Evoking images of idyllic escapes and romantic beginnings has not always been the case. So, why is a honeymoon called a honeymoon?

Let’s dive into the meaning of honeymoon and the history of, exploring its evolution and the myriad ways it has been celebrated through the ages. 

Why is a honeymoon called a honeymoon? What is the origin of honeymoons? Keep reading to find out!

Etymology of Honeymoon

The term ‘honeymoon’ is believed to have originated from an old European custom where newlyweds were given a month’s supply of mead, a fermented alcoholic drink made from honey and water. Mead itself has been around since 7000 BC.

The drink was supposed to symbolise the sweetness of marriage and the hope that it would last as long as the moon, hence the name ‘honeymoon’. The Babylons and the Norsemen are also credited with the tradition.

The first recorded usage of the word ‘honeymoon’ dates back to 1552 and is believed to have referred to the first month after marriage when the couple would enjoy ‘tenderness’ and ‘pleasure’. How polite!

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Hony mone, a terme prouerbially applied to such as be newe maried, whiche wyll not fall out at the fyrste, but thone loueth the other at the beginnynge excedyngly, the likelyhode of theyr exceadynge loue appearing to aswage, ye which time the vulgar people cal the hony mone, Aphrodisia, feriæ, hymenæ.

(courtesy of “honeymoon, n.”. OED Online. March 2023. Oxford University Press. https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/88181 (accessed March 12, 2023).)

Originally, the term had no connection to the modern meaning of honeymoon, which of course, refers to a holiday taken by newly wedded couples after their wedding.

The etymology of the word ‘honeymoon’ is further supported by the fact that ‘hony’ is an old English word for honey, while ‘moone’ is believed to have referred to the monthly cycle of the moon. 

Historical Origin of Honeymoons

The origin of the term “honeymoon” is disputed and there are several theories about the origin of the honeymoon.

One theory suggests that the origin of honeymoons comes from the Norse tradition ‘hjunottsmanathr’ where newlyweds went into hiding for a month after their wedding (well that sounds a little similar to modern day practices?).

During this time, they would drink mead and eat honey cakes, which were believed to have aphrodisiac properties. The idea was that the couple would emerge from their hiding place after a month, with their love for one another renewed and strengthened.

In ancient Babylon, the father of the bride would supposedly provide the groom with mead, for one full moon cycle. The couple would drink the mead together, and it was believed to promote fertility and happiness (well it would for a while, wouldn’t it?).

Yet another theory suggests that the origin of honeymoon comes from the Old English word “hony moone,” which means “honey month.” This term was used to describe the first month of marriage, during which time the couple would drink mead and eat honey cakes.

Norsemen and Vikings invaded what is now England, so it does make sense that it could be a tradition from both.

Regardless of its historical origin of honeymoons, the term came to be associated with the period of time, immediately following a wedding, during which the newlyweds take a romantic trip together.

Evolution of the Honeymoon Tradition

As we can see, the notion of a honeymoon dates back centuries and in the past, the honeymoon was not a luxurious vacation, as it is today.

In the Middle Ages, the honeymoon evolved into spending time visiting the homes of relatives who were unable to attend the wedding. This allowed the newlyweds to receive blessings and congratulations from loved ones.

Now while we love our families, this is not exactly an ideal way to spend your first few days and weeks of marriage, is it? Yay for evolution.

As transportation became more accessible, the honeymoon evolved into what we see it as today. Couples began to travel further for their honeymoons.

In the 19th century, during La Belle Époque, newlyweds from the gentry and aristocratic classes of Europe would often take a “bridal tour” of several cities or countries. This was seen as a way to broaden their horizons and gain cultural experiences together.

The advent of air travel made honeymoon destinations even more accessible, couples ventured further afield. Throughout the 20th century, destinations like Hawaii, France and Italy were popular honeymoon destinations, as they are today.

Today, the honeymoon is a way for newlyweds to celebrate their marriage and spend time together in a romantic setting. It is often a luxurious vacation, with couples travelling to exotic locations and staying in luxury hotels.

However, the tradition of the honeymoon remains an important part of the wedding celebration, symbolising the start of a new chapter in the couple’s lives together.

Cultural Significance of Honeymoons

The cultural significance of honeymoons has evolved over time.

While in medieval times and even into modern times, honeymoons were a way for the newlyweds to escape from their families and enjoy some time alone together. This was especially important in arranged marriages, where the couple may not have known each other before the wedding.

In some cultures, the honeymoon was (and still is) seen as a time for a couple to become sexually intimate, while in others, well, that ship will have already sailed well before the wedding! It’s all about taking a luxury break or a bucket list adventure.

Today, honeymoons are seen as a way for the newlyweds to celebrate their marriage and spend some quality time together. It’s a chance for couples to create lasting memories and start their ‘new life’.

Whether it’s a romantic beach getaway or an adventurous trip, honeymoons are an important part of wedding traditions. They provide couples with a chance to relax, have fun, after the stresses of wedding planning.

Modern Honeymoon Practices

Modern honeymoon practices have evolved from the traditional concept of a honeymoon as a period of seclusion and intimacy for newlyweds. A few days, weeks or even months away on a beach to relax.

Couples often choose to travel to exotic destinations, take part in adventurous activities, and indulge in luxurious experiences.

Couples may opt for a delayed honeymoon, or as we call it, a latermoon where you wait a while after the wedding to go on honeymoon.

One modern honeymoon practice is to plan a destination wedding and honeymoon all in one. This allows couples to celebrate their marriage with family and friends while also enjoying a romantic getaway. 

Couples now have the option to customise their honeymoon experiences to suit their interests and preferences. There are many different types of honeymoon. For example, adventure seekers may choose to go on a safari or trekking expedition, while others may prefer a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural tour of a foreign city.

In recent years, we’ve seen an intriguing shift towards honeymoon registries. Gone are the days when wedding registries were confined to the aisles of a local department store, brimming with household items like kitchen gadgets and linen.

Honeymoon registries have rewritten the script, inviting couples to curate a wish list of dream experiences for their post-wedding getaway A candlelit dinner by a cascading waterfall in Thailand, soaring over the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon or luxuriating in an overwater villa in the Maldives.

These are not just fantasies; they’re potential gifts and contributions from wedding guests so couples can have extraordinary experiences.

It’s a modern twist that some traditionalists might initially view as an overt call for cash. Yet, the beauty of gifting experiences far outweighs the idea of presenting physical, often unnecessary, items. This evolution in gifting is a testament to the value of experiences over material possessions.

In addition, technology has made planning a honeymoon easier than ever before. With online travel resources like The Honeymoon Guide (hello!), couples can research and book their honeymoon accommodations, activities, and transportation from the comfort of their own home (or, let a travel agent do it).

So we hope you’ve enjoyed reading about why a honeymoon is called a honeymoon!

While the honeymoon concept is always evolving, from its humble ancient roots in mead-sipping rituals to its modern incarnation as a celebrated journey of love, one thing has not changed – the meaning of honeymoon is still a symbol of new beginnings.

Happy Planning x