Epithalamium

An epithalamium is a poem or song composed in honor of a bride and groom, typically sung outside the bridal chamber on their wedding night. It's characterized by its celebratory tone, praising the couple's beauty, virtues, and the joys of married life. Often, epithalamia include invocations of the gods, blessings, and hopes for the couple's happiness, fertility, and a long, fulfilling union. The poem aims to invoke a sense of joy, prosperity, and enduring love for the newly wedded pair. It could range in length and style.

Epithalamium meaning with examples

• As the moon cast a silvery glow, the wedding guests sang a traditional epithalamium. The joyful verses lauded the bride's radiant beauty and the groom's steadfast character, weaving a tapestry of love and admiration for the couple as they began their married lives.
• The court poet's carefully crafted epithalamium, performed after the royal wedding, was a vivid portrayal of the couple's love story. The poem used flowery language and mythical references to paint a picture of divine favor and a prosperous future for the kingdom through their union.
• Instead of exchanging wedding vows, the modern couple opted for an epithalamium. This unique choice of presentation created a memorable experience to celebrate their marital bliss. This performance emphasized the importance of their bond, the love they share, and the future they'll create together.
• During the wedding celebration, the bridal party surprised the happy couple with an original epithalamium. This surprise was filled with clever rhyming, inside jokes, and heartfelt wishes for the couple's continued love, health, and happiness in the years to come.