Signs, Symbols, Tradition, and Rituals: The Bridal Entrance and Recession Procession

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It's intriguing how many people nowadays claim they dislike rituals, yet they likely have unrecognized rituals woven into their daily routines. These small, seemingly trivial habits are often more than simple routines. In fact, rituals are present throughout our everyday lives—even if we aren't consciously aware of them.

Signs, symbols, traditions, and rituals form an integral part of daily life and influence individuals on a profound level. Rituals are incorporated into our routines, often without conscious awareness. For example, a hockey player may adhere to a specific sequence when preparing for a game—putting on their socks and skates in a particular order—based on past experiences and perceived outcomes, such as achieving a hat trick. This practice illustrates how rituals represent established methods of action imbued with significance beyond their apparent function.  

A wedding ceremony encompasses a range of customs and traditions. This blog will specifically discuss the entrance and recessional processions. Typically, the bride is accompanied by her father, both parents, or another significant person, and proceeds to the front of the venue. The groom is similarly escorted, often by his groomsmen and parents. At this stage, both individuals are single and unattached. A common question arises: "Who presents these individuals to be married?" Appropriate representatives—such as parents, close relations, or members of the community—provide the response. Following this, the bride and groom join hands before the officiant to commence the marriage proceedings. Up until this point, they remain individuals, entering separately with their respective parties, regardless of whether they arrive together in the same procession. The distinction underscores that, while each enters as an individual, the gathering recognizes their intention to unite in marriage.

During the ceremony, the participants make a formal commitment that transitions them from separate individuals into a unified marital partnership. While each retains their personal identity, interests, and aspirations, they are now joined together through their mutual commitment, forming a new shared reality as they are officially declared married.

The recessional procession serves as a representation of the transition from individuals to a unified partnership. Upon departing the venue, the newlyweds proceed together, signifying their union publicly to all attendees. It is customary for the couple to exit fully before the bridal party follows. This act of unity is further emphasized when the bridal party enters separately from the groomsmen, but after the ceremony, the groomsmen escort the bridesmaids during the exit, underscoring the formation of the partnership.

A great deal of symbolism and ritual can occur within a brief moment, yet their impact resonates with everyone involved. That's the unique power of symbols and rituals: they infuse significant meaning into simple gestures. These actions reach us on a level deeper than rational thought or conscious awareness. As one author notes, they connect with something primal, awakening emotions and feelings that have existed within us since ancient times.