Epithalamiums

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A poetic composition written specifically to celebrate a wedding ceremony, often expressing joy and best wishes for the couple
2. A lyrical work crafted in honor of a marriage, typically filled with happiness and hopes for the future of the newlyweds
3. A type of verse dedicated to a bride and groom, conveying sentiments of love and blessings on their union

Etymology: The Greek poet Sappho is often credited with the form's early model, but the word itself is a learned Latin borrowing from Greek "epithalámion", the neuter of "epithalámios", built from "epí" meaning "upon" and "thálamos" meaning "inner chamber" or "wedding chamber." The sense, then, is literally something sung "at the bridal chamber," and the Greek term named a song performed outside the couple's room as the marriage was consummated. Because "epithalamium" is a Latin borrowing, it arrived in English as a scholarly term rather than through everyday speech, which is why it looks so classical on the page. The plural "epithalamiums" is the ordinary English form, though "epithalamia" from the Latin and Greek plural is also used, especially in literary writing.