Marriage of the Sea ceremony

The Marriage of the Sea ceremony (Italian: Sposalizio del Mare) was a major maritime event in the Republic of Venice commemorated on Ascension Day.

In his short memoir, the French archaeologist and religious historian Salomon Reinach recalls famous episodes, in particular the throwing by Polycrates, tyrant of Samos, of a precious ring into the sea to appease the gods.

According to Italian art historian Sergio Bettini, the event is "something deeper and more substantial [...] than a simple occasion of rest or jubilation or commemoration".

The doge of Venice boards the sovereign galley dressed in full regalia: a mantle of gold and silver lamé brocade made with ermine fur, with a ceremonial corno ducale headwear and command rod in hand.

[8] Desponsamus te, mare, in signum veri perpetuique dominii.The return of the bucentaur to shore signals the opening of the Festa della Sensa, a feast famous throughout Europe for its splendor and wealth, and its huge fair in Saint Mark's Square.

[11] The mayor is accompanied by the patriarch of Venice and other dignitaries as they travel to San Nicolò Church on a replica of the bucentaur, where a ring is ceremoniously thrown into the sea.