Entry of Virgin Mary into the Temple
The Betrothal

Joseph and Mary were then betrothed in the usual ceremonies of the time and then returned to his own city of Bethlehem to put his house in order. The Virgin accompanied by Rebecca, Sepphora, Susanna, Abigail and Jael remained at Joseph’s house in Nazareth.

The Betrothal is a special formality that preceded marriage for a period of less than one year. There was no such thing as courtship in those times. At the betrothal the bridegroom gave to the bride pledging a piece of money or [promissory letter. The ceremony would conclude with a benediction over the statutory cup of wine tasted by both. From the moment of this betrothal both parties were regarded as if they had been married except they do not physically consummate the marriage. Any breach would be considered as adultery.