Wedding Officiant Trivia- Do You Know Why Women Are Escorted On The Left?
Wedding Officiant Trivia- Do You Know Why Women Are Escorted On The Left?
We are quite often asked these questions at rehearsals and at wedding ceremonies:
What arm does the woman go on? Why do we escort women on our left arm? Here is the answer!
When a man escorts his partner, tradition has it that he offers his left arm. This tradition originates from medieval times when men escorted women around town and through the fields. Should a threat arise or the woman’s honor require defending, the man’s sword hand (his right hand) would be free, giving him quick and easy access to his sword, worn on his left side.
To this day, the left arm rule still applies while indoors. However, with the rise of wheeled vehicles and non-pedestrian streets, the proper escorting etiquette evolved over the years for outdoor environments. Today, when escorting a women outdoors, you should position yourself on the outside (closest to the street) to protect her from traffic, mud splashing, etc.
Now you know 🙂
Of course, you don’t have to do it this way. We see couples creating new traditions all the time! So if you prefer to have the women escorted on the right- do it! It’s your wedding ceremony and we encourage you to personalize it and make it yours.
Kristen’s Dad walking her down the beach for her Sand Key Park wedding ceremony