Under the Banner of Heaven’s Mormon Wedding Attire Explained
WARNING: Minor spoilers ahead for Under the Banner of Heaven episode 3.
Under the Banner of Heaven episode 3 sees the Lafferty family don unusual outfits for Brenda and Allen’s wedding, though they have an important role in the show’s central religion. Considering the true story of Brenda Lafferty’s murder was inspired by Mormon extremism, it’s fitting that Under the Banner of Heaven includes so many of the Latter-day Saints’ traditions that reflect the early days of their foundation. From the Lafferty family always drinking lemonade to their very traditional temple attire, Under the Banner of Heaven creator Dustin Lance Black leans into the most interesting quirks of the religion.
The beginning of Under the Banner of Heaven episode 3 features a flashback to Allen and Brenda’s wedding, with the entire Lafferty family attending the temple for a formal ritual. Notably, each attendee wears a completely white outfit, with the women’s white dresses and veils matching the men’s white suits and bonnets. However, this all takes place directly before the actual wedding in Under the Banner of Heaven, with the rest of the characters changing into more modern and common wedding outfits by the time Brenda and Allen say their vows.
Related: 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre: What Under The Banner Of Heaven Leaves Out
Under the Banner of Heaven’s white outfits are part of the strict attire for ceremonies performed in the Mormon temple, which the real-life Brenda Lafferty, Allen, and family were required to do before getting married in the church. The all-white outfits are a significant aspect of the Mormon temple’s “sealing” ordinance, with the attire meant to symbolize purity. At the time of Under the Banner of Heaven’s true story, the
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