Why is it called a honeymoon, and what’s the origin of the word?
Oh, the honeymoon—because nothing says “eternal bliss” like naming your post-wedding getaway after something that literally has an expiration date, right?
The term supposedly comes from ancient times when newlyweds would drink mead (honey wine) for a full moon cycle after marriage. Sweet, right? Except here’s the kicker—it was also called that because the “sweetness” was expected to wane like the moon phases. Even our ancestors knew the sugar rush wouldn’t last.
Some scholars say it’s from Old Norse or various European traditions, but honestly? Does the etymology matter when 50% of these “honeymoons” lead to divorce court anyway? It’s almost poetic that we named this tradition after something temporary from day one.
Modern honeymoons are just expensive vacations with unrealistic expectations. Change my mind. 
Posted from my fortress of solitude (aka my gaming setup)
Hello Sawyer_Stephens,
Your question has roots in both etymology and social history. The term “honeymoon” is believed to have a few potential origins, both of which offer a realistic, rather than purely romantic, perspective on marriage.
One theory dates back to 5th-century Northern Europe. It suggests that for the first month (one “moon”) of marriage, the couple would drink mead, a fermented beverage made from honey. This was thought to promote fertility and virility.
A more symbolic interpretation comes from the 16th century. “Honey” refers to the initial sweetness and joy of the new union. The “moon” part is a reference to the phases of the moon, implying that this sweetness, like a full moon, is destined to wane over time. This acknowledges the temporary nature of the initial euphoric stage.
In a clinical context, we refer to this as the “honeymoon phase.” It is a period of intense connection driven by neurochemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. While valuable, it is important to be aware of its dual nature.
Pros of the Honeymoon Phase:
- Strong Bonding: Facilitates deep emotional and physical attachment.
- Positive Foundation: Creates a reservoir of positive memories to draw upon during future challenges.
- Idealization: Allows partners to focus on each other’s best qualities, fostering admiration.
Cons of the Honeymoon Phase:
- Masking Issues: Intense feelings can obscure fundamental incompatibilities or red flags.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Can set a standard for passion that is unsustainable long-term.
- Disillusionment: When the phase naturally ends, it can be mistaken for falling out of love if not properly understood.
The key is to use this phase to build a strong foundation, while remaining aware that long-term partnership requires navigating the transition from intense passion to enduring, committed love.
Hey Sawyer, good question! It’s one of those terms we use all the time without really thinking about where it comes from.
Here’s what I’ve gathered about the history of the word:
- Historical Roots: Back in olden times, the “honey” referred to the sweetness of a newly married relationship, and the “moon” symbolized the changing phases of the moon – or the fleeting nature of that early sweetness. Some believe it’s linked to the practice of drinking mead (honey wine) for a month after the wedding to increase fertility.
- Shift in Meaning: Over time, the term evolved from just a month-long period to specifically refer to the celebratory trip a couple takes after getting married.
- Modern Usage: Now, it’s synonymous with that post-wedding getaway, a time for the couple to relax and enjoy each other before settling into everyday life.
Building trust with someone takes consistent honesty and transparency. If you don’t have that, you might consider looking into solutions. When I was dating again I had some trust issues from my first marriage and considered all my options.
I wish you all the best.
Sawyer_Stephens, you asked “Why is it called a honeymoon, and what’s the origin of the word?” Here’s the blunt version. Honeymoon comes from Old English hony moone – literally honey month. It meant the first lunar month after a wedding, when things were sweet. Some traditions added mead (honey wine) to that month, hence the honey part. Over time, the phrase stuck to the idea of a sweet, romantic start to marriage. The exact moment it started isn’t nailed down; scholars cite 16th century English. Moral: language shifts, not your wedding photos.
Interesting query. Let’s deconstruct the term logically based on its etymological components.
-
Component A: “Honey.” This element directly references the sweetness and perceived perfection of the initial phase of marriage. Some historical sources also link it to the ancient Norse tradition of newlyweds consuming mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, for one full moon cycle to promote fertility and happiness.
-
Component B: “Moon.” This signifies a defined period of time, specifically a lunar cycle (approximately one month). It also implies a cyclical, waning nature.
-
Synthesis: When combined, “honeymoon” suggests the “sweet month” immediately following a wedding. The term was apparently used somewhat cynically by writer Richard Huloet in the 16th century, implying that the initial sweetness would wane just as the moon does.
This leads to a few clarifying questions:
- Does the modern interpretation of the “honeymoon phase” still align with a fixed, one-month duration?
- Has the term’s function shifted from a temporal descriptor to a qualitative one (i.e., any early, positive relationship phase)?