Romancing the Canopies

Canopies come in many forms. There are ornate types that usually adorn bedrooms, and simple yet elegant ones used during weddings, parties and as outdoor décor for the patio, or a secluded portion of a garden. Whatever function it performs, canopies are always regarded as some form of decorations bereft of function. However, the genesis of canopies has a more utilitarian nature.

Take the canopy beds for example. The canopies for beds of today are often perceived as items for romantics. It exudes old world opulence, and makes for a very romantic setting that feeds our fantasies. No wonder a young girl’s first bed is almost always a canopy bed. I had one when I was around eight to twelve years old. Aside from feeling like a princess I really loved the sense of privacy it brought while writing on my diary inside the closed curtains.

In the olden times, it served a more important function. Since at least in the sixteenth century, it has been very much a part of Western culture as an important bedroom item. It is very popular among royal families who usually sleep in great halls together with their servants at night. The master’s bed, and those of the princes and princesses, usually has canopies around for extra privacy. Such that up to this day, canopies around beds conjures images of royalty, power and wealth.

The wedding canopies trace its roots to a Jewish wedding and are full of symbolism. It represents the newly-wed’s home together. It also denotes the caring and protective powers of God for the new family. Also, since Jewish weddings in those times are preferably held under the skies for religious reasons, canopies serve as shelter in the wedding ceremony and reception. Today, the canopies are considered stylish decorations in the churches, wedding venues and receptions. In place of the traditional white linen, that denotes purity in the traditional weddings. Canopies now come in various colors and forms depending on the motif or mood that the event organizers want to project. I myself want a canopy as the centerpiece of the setting in my own wedding reception, don’t you too?