Couples typically take a honeymoon after tying the knot, and they use this as an opportunity to spend quality time together in their new glow of marriage. Although taking this vacation is a popular occurrence, many people are unaware of how this tradition began and what ties it has to honey and the moon. Here’s more information on the origins of honeymoons and how they’re enjoyed today.

Origins

It’s believed that the term honeymoon dates back to the 5^th century. After a couple was married, they typically celebrated their love by drinking a sweet beverage: mead. This festive drink is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey and water in yeast.

The celebrations always started on the first full moon of their marriage. This marker may have provided the couple with a way to keep track of the length of their time together. Drinking honey wine at the start of a new moon brought forth the term honeymoon.

Today

Modern honeymoons usually involve newlyweds heading to an exotic or tropical destination to celebrate, and the trip can last a week or longer. The couple uses this adventure to kick-start their marriage, and many newlyweds choose to indulge in luxury amenities, like first-class plane tickets, relaxing massages, and large bedroom suites.

To fund this highly-anticipated excursion, some couples opt to have a smaller, cheaper wedding. Other engaged pairs forego registering for gifts and ask for a monetary contribution to the honeymoon.

If you want to add a touch of tradition to your honeymoon, get your sweetheart a bottle of mead from Manoa Honey in Wahiawa, HI. This family-owned and -operated company has raised bees on Oahu since 1989, producing high-quality, local honey for their mead. Shop their selection online, or call (808) 927-0501 to find out which retailers carry their products.