Changing Times and Perceptions
Changing Times and Perceptions
July 20, 2005Posted By weddings
More articles on the Weddings topic: Wedding Traditions
I just read a 1922 Emily Post writing about marriage that I found interesting.
"If the bridegroom elect has plenty of means, she (the bride) may not only accept flowers but anything he chooses to select, except wearing apparel or a motor car or a house and furniture--anything that can be classified as 'maintenance'. It is perfectly suitable for her to drive his car, or ride his horse, and she may elect furniture for their house, which he may buy or have build. But, if she would keep her self-respect..."
(continued)
"...the car must not become hers nor must she live in the house or use its furniture until she is given his name... it would be starting life on a false basis and putting herself in a category with women of another class, to be clothed by any man, whether he is soon to be her husband or not."
There are a lot of pieces to this quote that may be applicable today, but there is a lot that has changed. Most women these days would be flattered to receive a nice dress or other piece of clothing as a gift, and couples living together while still frowned upon by many societal communities is more commonplace than ever. I don't know of too many men however who would allow a woman to select his furniture who was not living in his home unless of course she was a professional designer.
I found it interesting. I hope you enjoyed the quote.
