You may now kiss...

Sexist against the bride or the groom???

As for why it's sexist...the woman/bride is being "acted upon" instead of participating in the kiss as an equal. We specifically requested more mutual language. I will not be passively standing there while kissing is done to me by the groom. My husband and I will be smooching each other.

Caroline I read that as 'too vaginal' hahahahah

Personally, it doesn't bother me at all. There are times where I'm passive and there are times when I'm active.

I've heard "You may now kiss each other" and "You may seal this union with a kiss" more than I've heard, "You may now kiss the bride." I do live in liberal socal though.

I'm on the sexism thing like white on rice and I think you're reaching. REALLY reaching.

@elizabeth, it's not really reaching. Sans weddings w two grooms, when's the last time you've heard, "you may now kiss the groom?" it's a valid thing to be a aware of.

Officiant: Would you like to smooch each other?

::we nod vigorously::

Officiant: Go for it!

::we mack out:: (respectfully, not grossly. "church tongue," if you will.)

And the crowd goes wild!!!!

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@Gracelyn:

This is by far the best. Laughter is so important in a marriage!

View Quoted Comment Well because it started out of a traditional custom of men buying themselves brides. That's why traditionally the father gives away the bride. The bride was, quite literally changing from the ownership of one man to another. To say that in all of history there was never a couple that married for love would be inaccurate, but a gross majority of women for centuries were sold away after puberty to the highest bidder basically, or had arranged marriages set up after birth.

So this is what the phrase reminds me of, and it's cringe worthy. There are a number of things surrounding weddings that have this affect for me.

Examples include: "you may now kiss the bride", when traditional vows talk about "obeying" your partner, the father giving away the bride, and asking for the father's premission to marry his daughter.

View Quoted Comment Ha ha. So PC, love it.

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Best thing I have read all day!

View Quoted Comment Love your answer Irina! Thank you!!!

Caroline, thank you for asking this. I wish for something else to be said as well.