According to Webster's Dictionary, the phrase "honeymoon" commonly refers (according to Webster), "the first month of marriage," and even "a holiday or vacation taken by a newly married couple" (an 18th century derivation of the word). Other dictionaries cite a honeymoon as "a period of harmony immediately following marriage," or "a period of unusual harmony especially following the establishment of a new relationship." Yet, this modern definition grew from an ancient celebration of the rite of marriage.
Some believe this term actually originated in Northern Europe in ancient times, when the Teutons drank honeyed wine or mead (a beer made of fermented honey and water), which symbolized the sweetness of marriage (and had aphrodisiacal properties). The bride and group would drink this concoction at the Wedding Feast and for thirty days after marriage. This practice allowed time for the moon to go through all its phases ("honey month," which evolved into "honeymoon").
The basis for this ritual lies in the belief that the honeyed beverage would allow for uninhibited coupling for the time period in which a woman went through her menstral cycle and would ensure pregnancy.
However, this term is also believed by some to have a bitter connotation, meaning that love begins as sweet as honey, but as the moon wanes, so does happiness.
Another similar article on the origins of the Honeymoon: Click here: "The Honeymoon... how to make it last" - Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/5676...
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