What Month For A Goddess Who Celebrates Newlywed Brides?

The June bride tradition originated in ancient Roman times, with the month named after the Roman goddess Juno. The month of Elul is a time of special closeness between the divine Groom and His bride Israel, as the Hebrew phrase “I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me” spells the word Elul. In ancient Greece, January was considered the best month for a Greek wedding, as it was dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage and fertility. In the Greek Orthodox tradition, certain months may prove especially fortunate for a wedding.

In ancient Greece, the modern month of January was called “Gamelion,” which roughly translates to “wedding month.” Most ceremonies took place during Gamelion, though the tradition of placing a delicate, white crown on the bride and groom’s head is still one of the lucky months.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality in ancient Greek religion, was responsible for the perpetuation of life, pleasure, and joy. Her cult in Ancient Greece was imported from Asia, influenced by the cult of Astarte in Phoenicia and her cognate, the goddess Ishtar of the gods.

In ancient Greece, the wedding month of Gamelion, which corresponds roughly to January-February, was celebrated with sacrifices to Hera.