The expression "to tie the knot" originated in Roman times when the bride wore a girdle which was tied into knots; knots the groom had the pleasure of untying. Throughout the world, there are many cultures that recognize the idea of marriage as "ties that bind." In some African nations, long grasses are braided & used to tie the hands of the bride & groom as a symbol of their union. In the Hindu Vedic wedding cermony, delicate twine is employed to bind one of the bride's hands to one the groom's hands. In Mexico, the practice of placing a ceremonial rope loosely around the necks of the bride and groom is commonly used to "bind" them together.