This article is about the symbolic aspect of the so-called camisola do dia (wedding-night gown), a piece of garment of exquisite elaboration and symbolism, which first-time, just-married brides or wives were supposed to wear during their wedding night. The almost absolute observance of such custom, which was regarded as an imperative allows to the categorization of the wedding-night gown as an true social institution. Its analysis is contextualized within the Brazilian upper and upper-middle classes of the 1930s to 50s.
marriage; symbolism; wedding night; wedding-night gown
