Lessons From A Summer Of Weddings
SEP 3, 2022
ROLLAND KIDDER
You would think
that after being married for 50 years, I would be getting accustomed to
weddings. But, this summer has been special–a granddaughter, a nephew and
daughter of a good friend are all getting (or have gotten) married.
There seem to
have been a lot of weddings this year. I think some of it is due to COVID and
the gathering restrictions related to it. Weddings planned for the past couple
of years got delayed, and so this year, we are making up for lost time.
What is it
about weddings that everyone seems to like? When partnerships or corporations
are formed, no one has a party. But, when two people “tie the knot,” it
becomes the big social event of the year. And, this happens in all cultures.
When I was in
the Navy, I would see wedding processions and celebrations in places like
Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and even Vietnam. I have been told that
weddings can become so big in India that a family’s total savings can be spent
on it.
No matter what
religion, ethnicity or even political persuasion–people get excited and
enthused about a wedding. Even Republicans and Democrats can find common ground
when it comes to a wedding.
I have come to
the conclusion that weddings have universal, human approbation. They are looked
forward to, anticipated and appreciated by the entire mass of common humanity.
That, in itself, is something to celebrate.
Though the
dating game has greatly changed since I was a kid, the wedding celebration
seems to be as strong and traditional as ever. It is a time when friends and
family set aside all other interests or priorities to celebrate a new union,
the formation of a new family.
I also believe
that many couples wait longer before getting married. As a result, friends and
family expand, and so do the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. (Think about
10 or 12 each in some cases.) The idea of a common dress code among
participants still seems to be in vogue–of course, with no one out-shining the
bride.
Legally,
marriage is nothing more than a simple contract. It could be done (and
sometimes is) by two people standing before a judge. But, let’s face it, what
people really want is to have a big celebration that no one can ever forget. I
think that must be a part of our DNA.
I grew up
hearing about big Italian weddings. But, I have seen some big Swedish ones too.
Can you imagine combining them? That’s what often happens in our town!
So, let’s
celebrate something that is so meaningful, powerful and meant to be
long-lasting. Mine happened over 50 years ago, and it still seems like
yesterday.
I have been
enjoying this summer of weddings!
