An epithalamion is a free verse poem given as a wedding gift to the bride and groom, traditionally after the ceremony. It focuses on the couple’s relationship and promotes a prosperous marriage. The term comes from Greek and was originally sung. Famous poets in various languages have written epithalamia, and it has also been used in songs, paintings, and plays.
An epithalamion is a poem written for the bride and groom and presented as a gift on their wedding day. Traditionally, the epithalamion is given to them after the ceremony and reception, before they leave for their marriage bedroom. The poem is given as a blessing to foster a long and prosperous marriage and focuses on the relationship between the couple. In some cases, the epithalamion may focus on the bride rather than the couple.
Unlike other structured types of poetry such as sonnets, haiku, or limericks, epithalamia are considered free verse poetry. These poems are defined by the nature of the subject matter and not by the use of poetic devices such as meters or stanzas. Epithalamia can be a few lines or several pages long, provided the focus is on positive, romantic imagery that promotes a future of wedded bliss for the couple.
The word “epithalamium” comes from the Greek words epi, meaning “up” and thalamus, or “bridal chamber.” Combined, the words mean “on the bridal chamber,” referring to the epithalamium which is a blessing bestowed upon a husband and wife on their wedding day. In ancient Greece, epithalamia were sung as songs rather than spoken as poems. The singing occurred twice, once before the couple entered their room and a second time when they left their room the next day.
Epithalamia were not considered literature until some well-known Greek poets adopted the form. The most famous Greek example is a poem written by Theocritus in honor of a royal wedding ceremony. Other famous ancient Greek poets, such as Sappho, also wrote epithalamia. The poets Apollinaris, Statius and Claudian also wrote classical Latin epithalamia which were the basis for these imitations.
Over the years, French, Italian, and English poets have incorporated epithalamia into their bodies of poetic work. Lord Tennyson, Edmund Spenser and EE Cummings are just some of the acclaimed poets who have written epithalamia in English. French poets Francois de Malherbe, Pierre de Ronsard and Paul Scarron are famous for writing this type of poetry in their native language. Metastasio is recognized as the master of this poetic form in Italian.
Songs, paintings, and plays have also been referred to as epithalamia because the focus of subject matter is similar to the focus of poems. Williams Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream and part of Richard Wagner’s opera Lohengrin are examples of its use in theater and music. Renaissance paintings depicting nudes were referred to as epithalamia and were often given to couples as a blessing on their wedding day.
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