Untangling 'The Knot'

Christopher and Meg Campbell share a kiss on their wedding day.
JAMIE BLOOMQUIST PHOTOGRAPHY

Getting married has long been referred to as “tying the knot.” So, where does the phrase come from? According to some historians, this expression has its roots in ancient Rome, when the bride traditionally wore a girdle that was tied in knots. After the wedding, it was the duty of the groom to untie the girdle.

Others believe the phrase is more closely associated with ancient “handfasting” ceremonies, which involved tying a cord or ribbon around the wrists of the bride and groom, thus binding them together.