Honeymoon… the word alone conjures up images of pearly white beaches, candlelit dinners and, of course, that special someone to share it all with.
While you’re undoubtedly aware of the meaning of a honeymoon – the trip taken by a newly married couple – where exactly does the word come from? Where do the “honey” and the “moon” get involved? And how do they relate to marriage?
Unsurprisingly, it turns out that there are a number of theories about the origin.
One theory purports that “honeymoon” refers to the first month, or moon, after marriage. The first month tends to be the sweetest.
Alternatively, the name may allude to the “Honey Moon,” an old name for the June full moon. June was and remains a popular month for both honey harvesting and marriage.
“Honeymoon” may also refer to a medieval belief that love tends to wane as the moon does. Or that love tends to be as fleeting as the full moon.
Yet another theory states that it is derived from the Scandinavian practice of drinking mead, or fermented honey, during the first month of marriage. The idea being to improve the chances of conception.
Has all this talk of honeymoons made you daydream of the perfect getaway? Here are 50 of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.