Romantics may be surprised to learn that the honeymoon had some rather unusual origins.
In the northern nations of Europe and in Babylon some 4000 years ago, it was customary for newlyweds to drink milheglin after the ceremony. Milheglin was a kind of mead or wine made from honey. This was done for a period of thirty days or one lunar or moon month. From this custom came the term “honey month” or ” honeymoon.”
Another version says the term came from the Norse word, “hjunottsmanathr” which meant “hiding.” Back then, brides were usually “kidnapped” by their grooms. The abductor/groom hides his bride for some time until her family stopped searching for her. The groom’s friends protected the two and kept their whereabouts unknown. Once the bride’s family has given up the search or when the bride becomes pregnant, the groom then returns to the village to formalize the wedding.
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Source:
The Honeymoon Club. http://www.honeymoon-club.com/origin_of_honeymoon.htm
