If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid, you know the pain: trying to find the perfect dress that will not only fit you, but will also suit all other 4+ girls despite each and everyone of you having a completely different body, hair color and personal taste.
But have you ever wondered why do all bridesmaids have to dress alike? Is it because they are there to support the bride on her big day?
Well no, and you may be surprised to know the true (and quite creepy) origins of this indeed weird, tradition. Here’s how it goes: (the article continues after the ad)
The tradition started around Ancient Roman times, the same period in which the whole ‘bridal party’ idea first began to develop. The reason why bridesmaids were wearing the same clothes though, was to act as decoys and thus make the bride indistinguishable.
Why? To save her from the evil spirits (and their exes)!
You see, during those days, brides had a lot more to worry about other than their floral arrangements. Any happy event had the potential to attract evil spirits and let’s not forget all those would-be grooms who had been turned away by the bride. So, in order to keep the couple safe from all those angry men and demons, a new tradition was born: the bride’s friends would match the bride’s attire in order to confuse any malcontents.
Just check out the picture below: If you can’t tell which one is the bride, neither can the evil spirit, right?
Yep, that’s the good thing about evil spirits – you can easily trick them.
During the Victorian era, the protocol was relaxed and brides started getting dressed more elaborately than their bridesmaids. However, the ‘bridesmaid-uniform’ thing stuck and this is why, even today, we see them wearing the same dress.
Now you know!
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: The Interesting Story Of High Heels And How They Were Originally Meant For Men
Photo: Wikimedia
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
Sources: Town & Country The Bridesmaid’s Companion: The Complete Guide to Attending the Bride