When two young people were to marry, one of the French traditions was to have an armoire crafted for their shared belongings.
Marriage armoires, as they were called, had symbolic details to depict love and happiness; two doves, flowers, a ribbon to tie their hearts, or wheat bundled in a bouquet were created on the doors.
In the middle of the cornice there would be a crown to bless their union.
Marriage armoires held stacks of dishes or folded linens, the tools of daily needs. I imagine that the moments of shared lives, the conversations and souvenirs of another time were tucked away behind the doors as well.
Whenever I see a marriage armoire the doors seem to open without my ever having to turn the key, as if it longs to hold love again.
* Early 19th century, painted French antique armoire. Adorn with an hundred year old gold thread tassel.
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