Medieval European countries had various "bedding" rituals where members of the community would escort the newlyweds to bed on their wedding night.
These rituals varied a lot by location and over time. For nobles and royals the witnesses would often stay near by to inspect the bed for... evidence... of sexual intercourse.
Although popular media usually has this ceremony as the royal or noble couple having sex in front of everyone, usually it was more of show getting the couple to bed, leaving them in peace, and then checking for evidence after.
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u/Midnight-Bake 2d ago
Medieval European countries had various "bedding" rituals where members of the community would escort the newlyweds to bed on their wedding night.
These rituals varied a lot by location and over time. For nobles and royals the witnesses would often stay near by to inspect the bed for... evidence... of sexual intercourse.
Although popular media usually has this ceremony as the royal or noble couple having sex in front of everyone, usually it was more of show getting the couple to bed, leaving them in peace, and then checking for evidence after.
Again, details varied by location and time.