Wearing a veil is one of the oldest marriage customs. In ancient Greece, the color of the veil was yellow and in ancient Rome, it was red, usually covering the bride from head to foot. It is also believed lifting the veil represents the bride's freedom from parental protection, originating from canopies suspended over the bride in Anglo-Saxon times which were removed once the ceremony was completed. The veil came to the US when Nelly Curtis wore one at her wedding to George Washington's aide, Major Lawrence Lewis. Perceiving his future bride standing behind a filmy curtain, Major Lewis commented to her how beautiful she appeared...she then decided to veil herself for the wedding ceremony.