Gezicht op de Bridalveilwaterval in Yosemite Valley, Californië before 1886

This is an illustration of the Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley, California, by Charles Leander Weed. The waterfall is an important symbolic feature: since ancient times, water has served as a universal symbol of purity, renewal, and the source of life. Here, the Bridalveil Fall cascades down the granite cliffs, resembling a veil, which links it to ideas of marriage and new beginnings. The indigenous peoples of Yosemite believed that inhaling the mist from the fall improved one’s chances of marriage. Consider the ‘veil’ motif. It is present not only in Yosemite but also appears in the veiling of brides across cultures, which can be traced back to ancient Roman customs. The veil conceals and reveals, adding an element of mystery and anticipation to the ritual. Like an eternal return, such symbols resonate through time, constantly evolving while echoing past meanings. The imagery of water, veils, and marriage tap into our collective psyche. The symbolism has persisted across millennia, engaging us on a primal, subconscious level.