Norwegian Brides & Psalm 45

Norway has a lovely cultural tradition for its brides. A traditional wedding is held in the family church (kirke) and the bride wears a special dress (brudekjole) that reflects her heritage and place of origin. She also wears a silver crown (brudekrone) or handmade head-dress with bangles and ribbons and I think it's quite beautiful. These bridal crowns are passed down from generation to generation if a family can afford one, but if they can't they borrow the crown from their church. No bride is ever left out of this custom. 

This is a typical brooch worn by a bride. The symbol of the heart and bridal crown is lovely! The bangles of silver and gold are meant to declare that the bride is God's property and to 'scare' off evil.  Yes, I realize this is a bit superstitious but I like the idea that silver, the symbol of redemption, and gold, the symbol of God's divinity, are used to signify our protection. 

This is a painting of a Bestemor (grandmother) showing her grandchildren the bridal crown they will wear one day. The painting was given to the royal house of Norway in the 1800s. Charming!

I would love to do this for Shya one day! I admit it might be a bit extreme, but I love it!

When a bride and groom go into the bridal chamber, the groom removes the crown. When the bride wakes up after her wedding night, she is supposed to write down the dreams she had because they are meant to be 'prophetic' concerning her future, the number of children she will have and what the couple will accomplish.  Her wedding guests have also planted two fir trees on either side of the front door to the house as a statement of the new life that will begin with this union. Interestingly, there is a giant evergreen next to our front door. We already have our 'babies' and rejoice over Shya, Hunter and Samson!

And one more thing......We are God's Royal Bride!

Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her—those brought to be with her. Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. Psalm 45:10-15