Translation of OPR Banns/Marriage

[jaybelnz]

Fascinating!!!  So it seems as if the tradition of having the Banns read for 3 consecutive Sundays was to give anyone who had an objection a chance to say something. 

Exactly right, I can still remember when the clergyman read out the Banns (usually after his sermon) and ended with the words "If anyone knows of any reason why these parties should not be joined in holy matrimony they are bound to make the same known to me as soon as possible".

I wonder if that phrase could have been the forerunner to the phrase still used today at some weddings. It was used at my wedding, although if I remember rightly, the words "just impediment" were used instead of "reason".  I don't think it's used so often now though.

"Should anyone here present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace"

 

[Forfarian]

I wonder if that phrase could have been the forerunner to the phrase still used today at some weddings.

That, or some variation of it, should be used at all weddings. The whole point is to ensure that the wedding is legal. That's also why a list of intended marriages is displayed at registrars' offices - so that anyone who knows of an impediment can make it known.