What’s in bridal veil?

There are many stories on the origin of a bride’s veil, according to veilubridal.com. Some say the veil was introduced in ancient Rome where people believed evil spirits would be attracted to the bride, so they covered her face to conceal her features and confuse them.

The definition of veil is to “obscure, shroud, mask or cover, so perhaps that is how the bridal “veil” got its name.

It is also said that the veil was a symbol of purity, chastity and modesty.

Others say its origin was due to an arranged marriage. In the past, men bargained with an eligible young woman’s father for their hand in marriage. After the ceremony, the veil was lifted to reveal the bride’s features. This was to keep a groom from backing out of the deal if he didn’t like what he saw.

Now, wearing one signifies a special event, joy, highlights the bride’s appearance and features; and is the final crowning touch.

Brides marrying for the second time were not supposed to wear a veil, especially a white one, but nowadays, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a veil at any time.

Pastor Reuben Chilera of Christ Citadel International Church says churches cannot bless weddings unless the bride wears a wedding veil. He, however, notes there is no Biblical requirement for a veil.

President of the Mustard Seed Church Apostle Willie Chaponda says the usage of veils started around 13 BC.

“Religiously, covering the hair and face symbolises virginity of the bride and that she should not be seen by the groom until they are pronounced husband and wife.

“Unfortunately these days those who are not virgins put on veils. The main problem is the lack of civic education on who is supposed to wear a veil. It is also difficult these days to find a virgin, although it is religiously unacceptable,” says Chaponda

Principal of the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi Pastor Michael Phiri says whoever qualifies to have her wedding officiated in the Church should be allowed to put on a veil.

“Whether one is divorced, she can still have a church wedding and put on a veil, assuming that she was not the one in breach of the marriage covenant.

“The veil denotes purity, cleanliness and joy. The meaning is the same even where something other than the white veil is used. In some villages, the chitenje is used,” he said.