Lucia's Wedding Day

On the night before her wedding day, Lucia took of her lunula which she had worn since infancy, and she dedicated it to the gods. This symbolized how she was officially leaving childhood as she entered into marriage and she no longer needed the protection of her amulet because she was about to have the protection of her husband. Then we went through our house and threw away all of her old childhood toys and clothes, which was sentimental for both of us. Seeing her get rid of her small tunics and her favorite childhood dolls made the impending marriage ceremony seem more real to both of us. The following morning, I helped her put on her beautiful, floor-length white dress and the belt with the Knot of Hercules, which was only to be untied by Marcus. With the help of a few of our slaves, I did Lucia's hair, separating it into six locks to make the ceremonial iron spearhead hairstyle of the bride, covering it in a red veil known as a flammeum. Then Marcus's family and several guests, including friends and some of Cornelius's business partners, gathered in our house for the ceremony. I had been cleaning the house for several days leading up to the marriage because I wanted it to be perfect for Lucia, and we also needed to make a good impression on Marcus's family and the other potential business partners that were attending the wedding. After the ceremony itself, we made the procession to Marcus's house, symbolizing the transfer of pater familias from Cornelius to Marcus. Physically walking Lucia away from our home and to the home of another, watching this young man carry our daughter over the threshold, and then having to go back home without her was terribly emotional for me, and it will undoubtedly be for you as well. Though it is a difficult transition, comfort yourself with the fact that you've fulfilled your duty as the parent of a daughter. Congratulations! You've raised another Roman!

vale, et animum sume,

Octavia