Bundling is a historical courtship practice brought to life in the fantasy series A Discovery of Witches, which has captured the audiences with its rich storytelling, romance, and supernatural elements.

Starring Teresa Palmer as Diana Bishop and Matthew Goode as Matthew Clairmont, the show, based on Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy, ran from 2018 to 2022 and gave viewers a modern twist on old-world traditions, including bundling.

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What Is Bundling?

Bundling is an old-fashioned practice from the British Isles, Netherlands, and colonial America.

It allowed couples to share a bed, fully clothed, often separated by a barrier like a blanket or wooden board.

This tradition gave people a way to grow close and test their compatibility without engaging in physical intimacy.

Bundling provided a way for couples to connect emotionally while maintaining the boundaries expected during courtship.

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Bundling in A Discovery of Witches

Bundling makes an important appearance in Season 1, Episode 5 of A Discovery of Witches.

The scene occurs when Matthew, a 1,500-year-old vampire, asks Diana, a historian, what she knows about bundling. Although Diana recognizes the custom, she notes, “It is 2018,” suggesting its old-fashioned nature.

In this intimate moment, the couple shares a bed and kisses, but the scene leaves some ambiguity about how far they went. While traditional bundling would have the couple remain fully clothed, Diana and Matthew are shown partially undressed.

However, it is clear they didn’t consummate their relationship, sticking to the idea of bundling.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Matthew Goode, who plays Matthew Clairmont, described the scene as “tricky” and “uncomfortable” to film, comparing its choreography to a tango sequence they performed earlier in the show.

He hinted at more intimacy to come in Season 2, when the couple finally takes their relationship to the next level, as seen in the second book of the series.

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Why Bundling Makes Sense for Matthew’s Character?

For Matthew, a vampire born in France during a time when bundling was common, the practice aligns with his traditional values and centuries-old customs.

Even though the story is set in the modern era, the characters’ historical backgrounds bring these old-world traditions into play, adding depth to their relationship.

Bundling serves as a turning point in Matthew and Diana’s growing affection, marking the first significant step in their romantic journey.