Honeymoon  

From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

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1. The period of time immediately following a marriage.
2. A trip taken by a newly married couple during this period.
3. A period of unusually mild feelings, especially immediately following the start of a new term or relationship (e.g., in business). Now that the honeymoon is over, it’s time for us to get down to the business at hand.

A honeymoon is the traditional holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage in intimacy and seclusion. Today, honeymoons are usually celebrated somewhere exotic or otherwise considered special and romantic.

Namesakes

• The Honeymoon Killers

Etymology

Disputed. Theories (in order of likelihood):

• Compares, in a cynical fashion, a full moon to the love of a newly married couple, which is sweetest (as honey) before it begins to wane. (16th century)
• Refers to a tradition of giving a newly married couple mead (a honey-based alcoholic drink) to be consumed during the first month of marriage.

See also

• Bride kidnapping