Take ye not for a husband thine neighbor's man, nor the husband-to-be of thine good friend, for such are the ways of a harlot. Nor take ye a parson's son, nor the son of a moneylender, or a tanner, or blacksmith, or any others of low birth for they are dull and smelly and noisome to mine eyes.- -Proverbials 1:5

 

Handfasting

'Til Death Due Us Part

In the early 1500s, the Clan introduced the now popular wedding clause of "'Til Death due us part."  MacThoy researchers believe this to be a variation on the Year and a Day handfasting ceremony.

The original intent allowed for a no-fault divorce if the couple discovered on sobriety that a grievous error had been committed.  Then it was only a matter of time until the couple came upon a dead horse or farm animal at which time the pair might go their separate ways.

The role of performing such marriage rites went to a fellow know as the Patriarch Co in 1500s thieves cant.  It may be found described in the Fraternity of Vagabonds by Jon Awdeley (1561).  (This manuscript was reprinted by Arthur Kinney in Rogues, Vagabonds & Sturdy Beggars.--ed)

The 'Til Death clause is still used in modern marriage ceremonies but the intent has changed a good deal since it was first brought into usage.

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Created: May 9, 2001
Last modified: September 12, 2006