People are only just realising where term 'honeymoon' comes from

The term 'honeymoon' is a common phrase in English, but its origins are only just being discovered by many. Celtic traditions and folklore expert Seren Hawley-Plows has revealed that the term is much older than most people think.

On TikTok, she shared that some sources trace it back to fifth century Europe, and the word's meaning is quite straightforward. "We call it a honeymoon because traditionally after a couple was wed, they would drink mead - a fermented honey drink for a full moon cycle after their wedding, hence the term 'honey and moon'," Seren explained.

She added that mead, known as a "well-known aphrodisiac", was thought to boost fertility, symbolising good fortune for newlyweds. However, the word's meaning has evolved over time, she says.

READ NEXT:How many of these Brummie and Black Country phrases do you know?

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"Most people now recognise it as a period of time in which newly weds take off together - usually in the form of a holiday abroad," she said. Seren concluded by asking her 29,000 followers: "What do you think? Should we bring back the traditions behind this meaning and instead encourage newlyweds to drink mead for a full moon cycle after their wedding? " "As a mead brewer, it's my standard wedding gift... all for bringing it back," one person responded.

Another agreed: "Well not everyone can afford a holiday but a tradition of mead that could be brought by others even would be a great way to reinvigorate the tradition.", reports the Mirror.

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A third joked: "I'd love to have mead for a full cycle, but I don't think my body would appreciate it! (Love the story anyway! )."

A French TikTok user commented: "It's still quite common during weddings in Brittany. Mead (or Chouchen as we call it) is offered to newly wedded couples."

Seren, clearly impressed, replied: "I'm not surprised, given Brittany's Celtic past! Amazing to see the tradition still going strong in other cultures."

Country Living magazine delves into the history of the honeymoon custom mentioned by Seren, noting that it dates back to 19th century Britain and was not the romantic getaway it is today. "While it did consist of newlyweds travelling together, they basically went on a trip to visit family members and friends who couldn't make it to the ceremony (so, forget about alone time)," the publication explains.

"It wasn't until the late 1800s that honeymoons started to look like they do today."