The honeymoon is a time-honored tradition that newlyweds have practiced for generations. However, it’s likely that your honeymoon looks a lot different from the one your grandparents went on. The concept dates as far back as the 5th century, though a lot of change has taken place since then.
There are afew theories as to the origins of the honeymoon we know today. The first is that it came from a tradition dating back to the 5th century in which couples drank mead (a honey-based alcohol) to celebrate their first moon of being married. It was hoped that the mead would aid the couple in conceiving their first child.
A less blissful possibility is that it comes from the term, “hony mone,” coined by a 16th-century author meaning that while the couple may be happy now, it won’t last. An even more disdainful theory is that is stems from the Nordic word “hjunottsmanathr.” This was in reference to a tradition in which the groom would kidnap the bride until her family stopped searching for her.
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then and the modern honeymoon is now something most couples look forward to.Over time it has shifted from a way to relax to time for activities and exploration to a focus on discovering new cultures and back around again. The focus between who does a majority of the planning (bride or groom) and how far they travel also have constantly shifted throughout the decades.
Nowadays, honeymoons vary greatly. Some couples plan extravagant vacations abroad or to fancy island resorts. Others stick closer to home and travel tohoneymoon destinations within the country. Locations such as Big Sur, any of the Hawaiian islands, Charleston and Jackson Hole are among popular honeymoon destinations within the United States and, by not traveling abroad, couples are likely to save a grand or two.
Other couples are taking an entirely new approach to honeymooning.“Solo-mooning” is a new trend within a very niche community. On their “honeymoon,” couples go on separate vacations. One solo-mooner explained, “Neither of us wanted to be where the other one was. We each came back… full of stories.” While the people who participate in this new take on the honeymoon don’t seem to see anything wrong with it, there are many people who are skeptical about newlyweds taking separate honeymoons.
One researcher, Helen Fisher, feels that “solo-mooning” is a big mistake. She says, “You are at a new stage in your life when you marry, and you are missing out on triggering the three most valuable brain systems for a lasting relationship.” These three brain systems are romantic love, feelings of deep attachment and sex drive. She feels these are necessary for any healthy marriage.
Whether you are for or against separate honeymooning, there’s no doubting that honeymoons are under constant evolution. Who knows what couples will think up and begin doing for their honeymoons in the decades to come.