Carrying the bride over the threshold originally symbolized the abduction of a daughter who would not willingly leave her father's house.

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This tradition dates back to medieval Europe when marriage was often a political or strategic alliance between two families. The groom would carry the bride over the threshold to protect her from any evil spirits that may have been lurking in the doorway. However, some historians argue that there may be some truth to this symbolism of abduction, as in some cultures, the groom would actually kidnap the bride and later carry her over the threshold to his own home.

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold Originally Symbolized the Abduction