The wedding festivities of Gabriel Bethlen and Catherine of Brandenburg

Abstract

The theme of the present study is the wedding festivities of Catherine of Brandenburg and Gabriel Bethlen. First, the political and diplomatic circumstances of the marriage are summarized. After the proxy marriage in Berlin the Princess Bride’s attendants participated in the greater nuptial ceremony in Kassa (now Kosice). The proxy marriage in Berlin is briefly reviewed, followed by the festivities in Kosice. After describing two major scenes from the wedding the study examines the celebrations themselves, paying particular interest to the protocol, spatial arrangement and appearance of the participants. The ceremonies are followed with an interest in the order of rank and precedence. The environment, the illustrious guests and their appearance added to the splendor of the festivities to a great extent. The entry into the city (March 1, 1626) and the solemn confirmation of the marriage oath (March 2) were key elements of the celebrations. These were followed by pageantry, banquets, fireworks, tournaments,...