Saber arch facts for kids

A saber arch at the wedding of a US Army officer and his bride.

A saber arch is a special wedding tradition. It's when people use sabers or swords to make an arch for a new couple. The bride and groom walk under this arch. This usually happens as they leave the place where they got married. People do this tradition all over the world.

Sometimes, people have fun with it. Athletes might use things like cricket bats or hockey sticks instead of sabers!

Sporting equipment such as bicycle wheels or hockey sticks can be also used if a bride or a groom is an athlete

Saber Arches in North America and the UK

In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, this tradition is often seen at weddings for people in the military or police. It started with the Royal Navy. The tradition is a bit different for each branch of the United States Armed Forces and Canadian Armed Forces. It's seen as a special honor for those who serve.

Usually, a group of officers or NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) form the arch. They are often from the same unit as the person getting married. They use sabers or swords to create the arch.

How the Ceremony Works

People in the wedding party who are officers or enlisted personnel wear their formal uniforms. A bride can wear a traditional wedding dress or her uniform. Everyone holding a saber or sword must wear white gloves. These people are usually officers or NCOs.

After the wedding ceremony finishes, the saber team gets into position. They stand just outside the building, like a church or chapel. There are usually six or eight people holding sabers. Wedding guests can gather outside to watch this special event.

When given a command, the saber team raises their sabers high. The tips almost touch, and the blades point up and away from the couple. As the new couple walks out, a senior usher announces them. For example, they might say, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you (Rank) and Mr/s. (Name)." This changes if both people getting married are in the military or police.

The bride and groom walk under the arch. As they pass through, the last two saber bearers often lower their sabers. This stops the couple for a moment. Before letting them go, the saber bearer on the bride's left might gently tap her with his saber. They might say, "Welcome to the (branch) Ma'am!" If the bride is also in the military or police, this part is skipped.

Sometimes, every pair of saber bearers might lower their sabers. They stop the couple each time. One of them might say, "Kiss required to pass." They won't raise their sabers until the bride and groom share a kiss. After the couple leaves the arch, the saber team lowers their sabers and finishes the formation.

Only the bride and groom walk under the arch. It's also a tradition at the wedding party to cut the wedding cake with a saber or sword.

Saber Arches in Germany and Austria

In Germany and Austria, saber arches are often used by male student groups called Studentenverbindungen (student fraternities).

At weddings, the current leaders of the group salute their newly married member and his bride. They form a single arch with a flag just outside the church. There isn't much more to the ceremony.

These groups also use saber arches at funerals for their members. They usually walk behind the coffin. At the graveyard, they stand around the grave on three sides. The saber arch is presented from both sides, and the flag is raised over the coffin. As the coffin is lowered, the saber arch and flag follow it down. They usually stay there while final words are said.

The first and second leaders usually hold the sabers. The third highest-ranking member holds the flag. This flag often shows the group's colors or coat of arms. This tradition comes from military customs. Many early student groups were made up of officers or nobles. The uniforms they wear are similar to those from the Polish revolution of 1830. They include a hat, sash, jacket in the group's colors, white pants, riding boots, and white gloves.

Saber Arches in Indonesia

In Indonesia, this ceremony is called "Pedang Pora". This ceremony happens at weddings where either the groom or the bride is an military or police officer. Other uniformed services also have a similar ceremony for an officer's wedding.