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Traditions
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WEDDING TRADITIONS Something old, something new Something Old' signifies that the Couple's friends will stay with them. In one version of the tradition the 'Something Old' was an old garter which was given to the bride by a happily married woman so that the new bride would also enjoy a happy marriage. 'Something New' looks to the future for health, happiness and success. 'Something Borrowed' is an opportunity for the Bride's family to give her something as a token of their love (it must be returned to ensure Good Luck), and 'Something Blue' is thought lucky because Blue represents fidelity and constancy. The custom began in ancient Israel where brides wore a blue ribbon in their hair to symbolize their fidelity. A sixpence was placed in the shoe to bring the couple wealth in their married life. Some brides still place a penny in their shoe during the marriage ceremony.
Flowers The Groom traditionally wears a flower that appears in the Bridal Bouquet in his button-hole. This stems from the Medieval tradition of a Knight wearing his Lady's colours, as a declaration of his love. Each flower has its own meaning and can display a special message:
The time Married when the year is new, he'll be
loving, kind & true,
The Cake The Wedding Cake was originally lots of little wheat cakes that were broken over the Bride's head to bestow good luck and fertility. Today's three tier Wedding Cake is based on the unusual shape of the spire of Saint Bride's Church in London. Traditionally the newly-weds should make the first cut to signify sharing their life. Every guest than eats a crumb to ensure good luck. And sleeping with a piece under her pillow is said to make a single woman dream of her future husband. The giving of almond favours is connected with the motto: 'A gift of five almonds represents health, wealth, long life, fertility and happiness' The throwing of confetti, meanwhile is an ancient fertility rite. Handfuls of grain or nuts were traditionally thrown because they are 'life-giving' seeds.
The Gown Married in White, you have chosen right
The Best Man As marriages were historically accomplished by capture (the groom would kidnap the woman), a warrior friend was often employed. This Best Man would help the groom fight off other men who wanted the captured woman, and would also help in preventing the woman’s family from finding the couple.
The Bridal Party The bridal party has many origins, not the least of which are the Anglo-Saxon days. When the groom was about to abduct his bride, he needed the help of many friends, the "bridesmen" or "brideknights." The "gentlemen" would make sure the bride got to the ceremony on time and to the groom’s house afterwards. The bride also had women to help her. These were known as the "bridesmaids" or "brideswomen."
Bride on the left, Groom on the right When the groom fought off warriors who also wanted his bride, he would hold onto her with his left hand, while fighting them off with his sword in his right hand (we suppose there were no Southpaws in those days of yore), which is why the bride stands on the left, and the groom on the right.
The Wedding Bands It is unknown when wedding bands were first worn. They were probably made of a strong metal such as iron. (One can easily guess the portent of an omen if a wedding band broke.) As far back as the ancient Romans, there was a belief that the vein in the third finger ran directly to the heart, so the wearing of rings on that finger joined the couple’s hearts and destinies.
Giving the Bride Away In Old Times, female children were deemed to be the property of their
fathers. When it came time for the daughter to marry and her father
approved of the arrangement, he was actually transferring ownership of
his daughter to the groom. Today, it is seen as symbolic of the
blessings and support of her union as a promise of continued trust and
affection. Often when the question is asked by a clergy during the
ceremony, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man," the
father's response is, "Her mother and I."
The Bouquet Toss Tossing of the bridal bouquet is a custom which has its roots in
England. It was believed that the bride could pass along good fortune to
others. In order to obtain this fortune, spectators would try to tear
away pieces of the bride's clothing and flowers. In an attempt to get
away, the bride would toss her bouquet into the crowd. Tradition says
that the single women who catches the bouquet is the one who receives
the bride's fortune and will marry next. |
