Wedding traditions - the best man

It is believed that this tradition began with Germanic Goths, when it was the custom to marry a woman from within your own community.  When there was a lack of marriageable women then grooms sort out brides from other communities by abducting them.  

The future groom would accompany such raids and his male companion would select his bride for him because he was the "best man" for the task.

Later the best man remained at the grooms side in case of reprisals..  He continued his duties after the ceremony by standing guard over the newlywed's home.

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