In a historical and symbolic sense, the Doge of Venice annually performed a ritual representing Venice's "marriage" to the sea.
This ceremony, known as the Marriage of the Sea (Sposalizio del Mare), was a vital part of Venice's Ascension Day (Festa della Sensa) rituals.
The Ceremony of the Marriage to the Sea
Based on historical accounts, including information from The Mariners' Museum and Park, the annual Ascension Day ritual included significant elements:
- The Blessing: The ceremony began with the blessing of the Doge.
- The Symbolic Marriage: This was the central act where Venice's symbolic marriage to the sea took place.
- The Act: The Doge would drop a consecrated ring into the sea.
- The Vow: While dropping the ring, the Doge recited specific words: “we wed thee, sea, as a sign of true and everlasting domination.”
This ritual underscored Venice's power and its deep connection to the Adriatic Sea, upon which its wealth and influence were built. It wasn't a literal marriage involving an individual to the sea, but rather a symbolic union between the city-state of Venice and the waters that sustained it, performed by its highest official, the Doge.
Therefore, while the Doge was the figure performing the act, the "marriage" was between Venice and the Sea.
