The History of Bomboniere Boxes
May 29, 2007
Bomboniere boxes – we all love receiving them at weddings. But where did they come from? When did people start giving them as favors at their wedding?
Wedding favors are given by the bride and the groom to their guests as a sign of appreciation and friendship. Favors are usually left on the tables at the reception as a part of the decoration, though sometimes they are distributed in person.
One of the most popular wedding favors is the bomboniere box. A “bombon†is a sweet morsel or piece of candy, so a “bomboniere†is a box that contains such candy. It is believed that the bomboniere originated in Europe many centuries ago, at a time when sugar was an expensive commodity. Wealthy members of the aristocracy would delight their guests with gifts of sugar or candies, presented in elegant porcelain or crystal boxes. Some of the boxes were even made of gold or were set with precious stones, making them valuable (and valued) keepsakes of the couple’s special day.
As the years passed, sugar became less expensive. More people were able to follow the lead of the aristocracy by giving out bombonieres at their own weddings, thus spreading the tradition. Eventually, candies began to fall out of favor and couples began to give almonds in their bomboniere boxes instead. It became tradition to give five sugared almonds to each guest, with each almond symbolizing a wish for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life.
How did almonds come to be chosen for bomboniere boxes? Popular belief has it that the custom arose from the Greek legend of Demophon and Phyllis, lovers separated before they could be married. Phyllis, believing that she would never see Demophon again, died of a broken heart. Moved by her love, the gods transformed her into an almond tree. When Demophon returned at last, he offered daily sacrifices to the leafless, flowerless almond tree to show his love and remorse. The almond tree blossomed, and thus became a symbol for hope and undying love.
In modern times, the legend of the almond and what it symbolizes has faded, and new traditions have arisen regarding bombonieres. It has become commonplace for couples to offer more personalized bombonieres, filled with anything from favorite chocolates to fragrant bath salts. Bombonieres are no longer just boxes, either; they may be small fabric bags, shiny tins, or even heart-shaped totes. No matter what form they take, bombonieres boxes are a wonderful token of appreciation for wedding guests.
Keywords: Bomboniere Boxes, Weddingblog, Wedding
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