Not Seeing the Bride Until the Ceremony and bridal shower
A bride as property was guarded by her family until the deal was done. This prevented kidnapping by other men who found her desirable. The description of a no-longer-virgin woman as spoiled or soiled goods was not an idle turn of phrase. Today we perpetuate the superstition so that the groom can enjoy his first look at his beloved in beautiful finery. Bridal showers are a remnant of dowry days. A woman was expected to bring property and money to her husband as part of the marriage arrangement. Showers remember the time when friends tried to help equip a woman with goods she would need in her new home even though the goods would no longer belong to her.