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Wedding Traditions
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a copper penny in your shoe!"
Why a wedding ring ? As far back as literature documents weddings, the wedding ring has been in evidence. Some believe the wedding ring was the first element of wedding traditions. The circular shape of the wedding ring symbolizes never-ending love.Third finger, left hand? It is believed that the vein in the third finger of the left hand runs directly to the heart.
Why does the bride where a veil ? Many moons ago it was believed that a veil would protect the bride form evil spirits. Today the white veil is a symbol of modesty and virginity.
Why does the bride wear white ? In Colonial times a bride often wore her "Sunday best" to her wedding. It was not until the 1840's, when Queen Victoria was married in a white wedding gown, that "white gowns" became the rage. White is also a symbol of affluence, purity, joy and virginity. Today, brides can choose many shades of white, from bright white to champagne.
Why carry flowers? Historically, flowers & herbs have played a significant role in the attraction of "good" and/or the warding off of "evil". Greeks used ivy for the sign of lasting love. Today, pretty wedding flowers convey a message of fertility and enduring love and romance.Why something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue? To insure a happy and lasting marriage, a bride should carry something old from someone who has been married for a long time and something new, to carry into her new life. Something borrowed, "borrowed happiness", something blue, "the color blue has been associated with purity and modesty". A penny in your shoe, place a penny in your shoe to bring good fortune and protection against want.
Why is the bouquet tossed ? The custom of tossing the bouquet is the modern day alternative to the old tradition of the "tearing of the wedding dress". In days gone by, single ladies would tear a piece of the brides dress for good luck. One can only imagine the fate of the brides gown at a large gathering! Thus the tossing of the bouquet is the modern alternative that allows the bride's gown to remain intact. It should not be forgotten that the lady who catches the bouquet is the next woman to be married.
Why is the garter tossed? Like the bouquet toss, the garter toss is also a modern alternative to the less than savory tradition of old. In the old days, guest would follow the newlyweds to their room and wait for them to undress then take their stockings and toss them at the bride & groom. The first male to hit the bride or groom with their stocking would be lucky and the next to marry. Thus the garter toss. The gentleman who catches the garter would be next to wed.
Why are there wedding favors? The bride and groom are considered to be lucky, as is anything they touch. Wedding favors are a way for the bride and groom to thank their guests for sharing in their happiness and to symbolically pass on their "good luck".
Why are shoes attached to the car? Shoes represented power. Shoes signify the creation of a new family unit. Shoes and cans were attached to the bumper of a car to cause a noisy clatter intended to drive off evil spirits.
Why is the bride carried over the threshold? It was believed that evil spirits hovered at the threshold of the home the newlyweds would enter. The bride was lifted over the entrance to keep the evil spirits from entering through her feet.
Seven Lucky Irish Charms For Your Wedding Day
The Bell
Whether the bell is made of pewter, brass, porcelain or crystal it will ward off the evil sprits that may be lurking to trip up the newlyweds. Also known as a “ Make-Up bell” or “Wedding Bell”, it helps the Bride and Groom stay ever-mindful of their wedding vows and the love they shared on their wedding day. So whenever they are upset with each other one of them can ring the bell instead of walking away.
The Magic Hanky
There is a wonderful Irish wedding custom for the bride to carry a “magic” hanky on her wedding day.
After the nuptials, she keeps it in a special place and saves it for her firstborn’s christening, to dry the baby’s face. A variation of this Irish wedding tradition is for the hanky to be converted into a christening bonnet, then converted back in a hanky for that child’s wedding day.
The Wedding Coin
Another old Irish wedding tradition is for the Groom to give his bride a coin after they exchange rings, as a symbol of prosperity. This custom originated back when the groom would pay money to the Brides family to bring them good fortune and joy.
A modern interpretation on this custom is for the Bride and Groom to exchange coins. They say if the coins touch each other during the exchange, the Bride and Groom will be blessed with many Children.
The Lucky Horseshoe
Brides traditionally carry a horseshoe with them on their wedding day for good luck. After they set up their home together, the horseshoe is hung over their front door to continue to ward off evil and despair.
Salt & Pepper Shakers
So their home will never be without food
Wine Glasses
So they will always have plenty to drink
Candlestick Holders
So their home will always have light.
Meaning of Flowers (for the bride's bouquet)
Almond Blossom - Sweetness, hope
Amaryllis - Pride
Bellflower (white) - Gratitude
Bluebell - Constancy
Carnation - First love
Chrysanthemum (red) - I love you
Daisy - Innocence
Dianthus - Divine love
Forget-me-not - Fidelity, true love
Gardenia - Feminity
Gladiola - Incarnation
Hibiscus - Delicate beauty
Ivy - Eternal fidelity
Jasmine (white) - Amiability
Lavender - Devotion, virtue
Lily (white) - Purity
Lily of the valley - Purity
Marigold - Joy
Mint - Eternal refreshment
Orange Blossom - Purity, loveliness
Peony - Bashfulness
Pansy - Thinking of you
Rose (red) - Love
Rosebud - Purity, loveliness
