| The
‘bomboniere’ can be traced back to the early
days of European history, when amongst the wealthy aristocrats
they were given to celebrate birthdays, christenings and
marriages. In their earliest form, ‘bomboniere’
were made of gold, precious stones, crystal or porcelain.
Even its contents were of great value as sugar was a costly
delicacy, prized for its supposed medical properties.
In the centuries that followed, as the
cost of sugar reduced and with the mass-production of
sugared almonds (confetti) ‘bomboniere’ in
its many forms, reached all sections of the populace.
Almonds have been given at weddings to wish the couple
health, wealth, happiness, longevity and fertility for
over a thousand years, but not until the 13th century
were they covered with a layer of sugar to become ‘confetti.’
Today ‘bomboniere’, under
its various names is given in European and Mediterranean
countries. In Italy, ‘bomboniere’ is an exquisite
gift made of lace, net, artificial flowers and ribbon,
with sugared almonds or chocolate dragees. It may be given
as a gift in its own right or, used to enhance another
gift.
Today in Europe, every detail of a wedding
is filled with a special meaning. Certain customs are
carefully followed so that each member of the community
is blessed with the fresh spirit of the bride. One of
these many customs is the giving of favours to all the
wedding guests. The bride prepares these gifts of almonds
(traditionally five) elaborately wrapped and decorated.
These ‘thank you art forms’ symbolise the
bride’s special acknowledgement of each friend and
relative who shares her special joy.
In the United Kingdom in recent years,
the practice of giving ‘bomboniere’ at weddings,
christenings, etc. has truly taken hold as English brides
discover the pleasure it gives to have a lasting memento
of their wedding. |
