NUPTIAE--WEDDING CEREMONY
The auspices are taken and pronounced favorable. The groom and bride
assume the names of Gaius and Gaia, respectively. These particular names
were chosen, according to some, out of respect to the noted spinner
Gaius and his royal wife, who were held by the Romans as a pattern of
conjugal fidelity and skilled industry; according to others, because of
the derivation from _gaudere_. Tullia with the words "Ubi tu Gaius, ego
Gaia" (where you are Gaius, I am Gaia) signifies her willingness to
enter the gens of her husband. The eating of the cake presented by the
Pontifex (confarreatio) is the most important part of the ceremony,
suggesting the sacramental view of marriage. The skin upon which the
bride and groom are seated is supposed to be that of the sheep
sacrificed before the ceremony begins. Prayer is offered to Jupiter by
the Pontifex, and to Juno by the Flamen Dialis, after which
congratulations are offered.