美国军事婚礼习俗——军刀拱门

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美国军事婚礼习俗——军刀拱门

        The most recognizable aspect of a U.S. military wedding is the crossing of the swords, or sabers. However, this tradition actually occurs after the official religious ceremony is over. This is partly because most religious establishments don't allow brandishing of swords in holy sanctuaries. As the couple exits the church, synagogue or other wedding venue, soldiers flank them on both sides, forming a receiving line. Once in place, the soldiers raise their swords high overhead with their right hands, angling the blades at about 45 degrees to form an archway over the aisle, except the last two soldiers in the line. These soldiers cross their swords directly in front of the couple until the groom kisses the bride. Then they raise their swords to let them pass through. Some couples choose to practice this tradition as they enter the reception hall instead or even to do both.

     美国军事婚礼习俗中最值得提及的是军刀拱门。因为多数的宗教认为教堂是个圣洁的地方，不允许挥舞军刀，所以这部分仪式是在正式的教堂婚礼仪式结束之后进行的。

        在新婚夫妇退出教堂或婚礼地点时，战士们站在他们两侧，形成迎接的队伍。当新人到来时，除了最后两位战士外，其他战士们举起他们右手中的军刀以大约45度角的方向指向天空。

最后两名战士将军刀横放在新人面前，等待新郎亲吻新娘后才让他们通过。

现在也有些新人继承和发扬这一传统，在招待厅内外共设立两道军刀拱门。