Epithalamion
/ˌɛpɪˈθæl.ə.mi.ən/noun
A wedding song or poem, especially one written to celebrate a marriage.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, an epithalamion was sung outside the bride’s chamber on the wedding night, turning marriage into a public ritual of blessing, fertility, and social magic.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐπιθαλάμιον (epithalámion)
“A song sung at the bridal chamber; a wedding ode.”
Late Greek
Greek
ἐπιθαλάμιος (epithalámios)
“Pertaining to the bridal chamber; bridal, nuptial.”
Latin
Latin
epithalamium
“A wedding song or poem.”
16th Century
English
epithalamion
“A poem or song composed for a wedding.”
Modern English
English
epithalamion
“A wedding ode or celebratory poem for a marriage.”
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