This rich collection of writings on the nature of love and commitment has long delighted brides and grooms of every denomination. Culled from both sacred and secular texts, and suitable for either traditional or informal wedding ceremonies, these selections might be included in Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, interfaith, and non-denominational exchanges of vows. Among the passages appropriate for readings by parents, friends, or the bride and groom are selections from Plato and Sappho, Rilke and Auden, Ecclesiastes and Euripedes, Shakespeare and Donne, pascal and Montaigne, Emily Dickinson and Anne Morrow Lindbergh. There are love songs from the Aztecs and Eskimos, Hindu and African wedding prayers, a Buddhist marriage homily, a Shaker hymn, and Irish blessing, excerpts from Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox marriage services, and passages from the Old and New Testaments, some familiar, some surprising. With myriad choices, Wedding Readings will help you add a special, personal touch to your marriage ceremony.

本作は、古今東西の英知が「愛」という一点に集結した、魂のアンソロジーです。プラトンからリルケ、さらには古代の祈祷文まで、時代や信仰を越えた言葉の数々が、人間が他者と人生を共にするという崇高な決意を鮮烈に描き出します。単なる儀式用のテキスト集を超え、愛の深淵に触れる文学的豊饒さに満ちた一冊と言えるでしょう。 多様な文化が織り成す愛の形は、読む者に普遍的な真理を提示します。詩人たちの繊細な抒情と、聖典が持つ峻厳な響きが共鳴し合う様は、まさに言葉の極致。愛を誓う瞬間の震えるような感情を豊かに補完し、誰かと共に歩む勇気を与えてくれるこの書物は、孤独を癒やし希望を灯す至高の贈り物となるはずです。