When a marriage contract came to fruition, so did the need for religious consecration. Such an important action could not take place without sacrifice and other consideration of the various gods (Zeus, Hera, Artemis, Apollo), under the protection of which the Greek faith placed the marriage. Even the time of the marriage did not seem to matter, though the privilege given in this respect to the full moon and the winter (gamelion was the wedding month) was not binding. In any case, there was no lack of liturgical preparations, such as washes or baths, when the water was brought by a boy (the lutrophoros), who was related to the bridegroom or the bride, from a spring which is considered especially holy at the place of the wedding; furthermore, gifts of blessing (the bride sometimes consecrated her dolls and other toys of a goddess) and the observance of omens are common.
But most of all, marriage receives its religious consecration through a great sacrifice, which takes place on the day of the wedding. The feast of the bride's father is followed by a feast, while the father of the bridegroom hosts a meal. The bride, decorated with ointments, festive wreaths and other wedding attire, takes part in veiled in the middle of the other women. After that, after giving food and blessing the meal, the homecoming of the bride follows. The bride is put on a carriage and brought from the parental home to the bridegroom's house, festively decorated with wreaths and ribbons, under the sound of zithers and flutes and the song of the wedding song, the hymenaeos. The bridegroom in festive costume also drives in the car. The mother of the bride walks with torches behind the car. At the groom's door, his mother awaits the train with torches to escort the bride to her room. A mortar pestle is to be fastened to the door of the house, just as the bride herself brings a sieve or roasting utensils to indicate her impending domestic activity.
