Tertullian · a new plain-English translation from the original language
[1] As for the observances of private and public solemnities — the donning of the plain toga, betrothals, weddings, naming-days — no danger, I think, need be observed in them from any breath of idolatry. [2] What must be considered is the reason for which the observance is rendered. These, I think, are pure in themselves, since neither male dress, nor a ring, nor the marriage bond descends from honor paid to any idol. Indeed the only style of clothing I find God condemning is female garb worn by a male: "Accursed," scripture says, "is every man who dresses himself in a woman's garment." The toga, on the other hand, is by its very name a man's garment. [3] Nor does God forbid weddings to be celebrated any more than he forbids the giving of a name. But sacrifices do tend to get attached to such occasions. Suppose I am invited, and no title of sacrifice attaches to the occasion — then, as far as lies in my power, my part in it stays
clean. [4] I only wish we could avoid even seeing what it is wrong for us to do. But since idolatry has so thoroughly hemmed in the world with its evil, it will be permissible to be present at certain things which engage us with the man, not with the idol. Plainly, if I am invited to a priesthood or a sacrifice, I will not go — that is the idol's own proper business — but neither will I take part in anything of the kind by advice, by expense, or by any other service. [5] If I am present because I was invited on account of a sacrifice, I become a partner in idolatry; if some other reason brings me together with the one sacrificing, I am merely a spectator of the sacrifice.
XVII.