Bridal wreath

A bridal wreath is used among the Aiel by a woman to indicate that she wishes to marry a man. If he refuses, it can cause violence or even a blood feud. If he is already married, she usually approaches the first-wife first to avoid any unpleasantness.
A bridal wreath is a wreath of flowers, chosen by Aiel women and given to a man they wish to marry as a proposal. The flowers used signify her personality and how she intends to approach the marriage. Segade blossoms signify a woman with a prickly nature who does not intend to change, sweetroot a sweet nature and morning drop that she would be submissive (TFoH, Ch. 21). The custom is ancient, dating back to at least the treaty of Rhuidean (TSR, Ch. 25). If the man accepts, he picks it up, if not, he may step on it (TFoH, Ch. 5). There are also circumstances when the woman does not have to make one (LoC, Ch. 19).
== Quotes ==
"When I was a girl, any man would have been overjoyed to have a young woman show that much interest in him. He would have gone to pick the flowers for 'her bridal wreath himself." (Bair, The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 5).
"Had she used leaves or flowers from sweetroot, it would have meant she 'claimed a sweet nature. Morning drop would mean she would be submissive, and. . . There are too many to list." (Aviendha about Melaine, The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 21).
"If you make a bridal wreath for my first-sister and me, I will pick it up." (Aviendha, Winter's Heart, Chapter 12).
Category:Items
Category:Marriage