Ancient Egypt - 1500 B.C. Before an Egyptian woman could marry, she had to grow her hair for three years as a symbol of the growing and lasting love for her future husband.

Nine months before the wedding, the woman's hair was divided into three even bundles and a fist-size stone was attached to each end. The stones were engraved with the words: 'Love', 'Honor' and 'Obey'. She had to carry the stones for nine months until the wedding ceremony.

Officially, carrying the weight of the stones was to prepare the woman for the heavy nine-month child bearing period. Unofficially, women claimed it would prepare them to bear the burden of being married to a man.

On the wedding day, the woman stood facing the altar and the man approached her from behind. (walking like an Egyptian of course...)

While standing behind her, the future husband had to juggle the three stones to symbolize his commitment to love, honor and obey. The alternating juggling pattern wove the hair bundles into a nice long braid.

The word 'bride' is derived from this juggled 'braid'. And the word 'groom' comes from grooming (in this case by juggling) the woman's hair.

The couple was officially married after the priest cut off the 3 stones and they tied the knot.

...

True story?

It could be. And if not... it should be!