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- 12 April 2023
Wedding Traditions
Many of you have expressed a desire to know about wedding traditions and the different meanings associated with them.
The famous phrase "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is a long-standing English custom.
"Something old" means that the bride wears something old, signifying that the marriage is part of a continuity, a connection to history. "Something new" means that the bride wears something new, symbolizing that the marriage is focused on the future, such as the prospect of having children, for example. "Something borrowed" means something borrowed, indicating that the marriage is accepted and part of a community, as the bride can borrow things from those around her. "Something blue" because blue has always been the color of fidelity, unlike yellow, which symbolizes infidelity.
COLORS
If you are superstitious, you will be happy to know the meaning of some colors to guide the decoration of your reception venue, coordinate your bridesmaids' dresses, or even add a decorative touch to your own dress:
White = purity
Red = love and joy
Grey = travel
Green = fertility and modesty
Gold = commitment
Lastly, prefer BLUE, which symbolizes fidelity, over YELLOW, which represents adultery!
THE BRIDE'S DRESS
There are many traditions related to the bride's dress in different cultures. In Western tradition, the bride traditionally wears a white dress to symbolize purity and innocence. This tradition dates back to the Victorian era when Queen Victoria chose to wear a white dress for her wedding in 1840.
Other cultures have their own traditions when it comes to wedding dresses. For example, in Chinese tradition, the bride wears a red dress to symbolize prosperity and good fortune. In Indian tradition, the bride wears a sari adorned with jewelry and embroidery.
In some cultures, the wedding dress is passed down from generation to generation, and each bride adds her own personal touch to the dress. In other cultures, the wedding dress is rented rather than purchased.
Overall, the tradition of the wedding dress has evolved over the centuries and varies greatly across cultures and beliefs.
The color: While most brides have chosen white since the 16th century, this tradition was interrupted for some time, so before World War I, the bride wore a blue, gray, or black dress. Today, the white dress is widely popular as it symbolizes virginity.
The making: It is believed that sewing her own dress could bring bad luck to the bride.
The groom: One tradition that still exists today is to avoid the groom seeing the bride's dress before their wedding. It is believed to bring bad luck. But what more people are unaware of is that the bride herself should also not look in the mirror... for the same reasons!
WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THE BRIDE'S DRESS?
Traditionally, it is customary for the bride's family to take care of paying for her dress. However, if you want to save money and opt for an inexpensive dress, there's nothing stopping you from paying for it yourself. A successful wedding doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, and it's possible that your family may not have a significant budget to assist you. In any case, it's important to come to a financial agreement that suits all parties involved. Even if your family insists on paying for your wedding dress, you can still explore ready-to-wear collections and allocate the rest of your budget to other important expenses.
THE VEIL
The tradition of wearing a veil during the wedding is ancient and holds deep symbolic meaning. There are several theories about the origin of this tradition, but the most common ones are:
Protection against evil spirits: In ancient times, the veil was considered a way to protect the bride from evil spirits and bad luck. Symbol of purity: In many countries, the veil is a symbol of purity and virginity. The white veil was traditionally worn by women getting married for the first time. Display of wealth: In ancient Rome, wealthy brides wore veils made of fine and transparent fabrics to showcase their wealth. Sign of honor: In some cultures, the veil is a sign of honor and respect for the bride. Religious tradition: In certain religions, the veil is considered a symbol of modesty and modesty. Today, wearing a veil is primarily an aesthetic and romantic tradition that adds a touch of mystery and glamour to the wedding ceremony.
Today, some brides who are faithful to traditions wear a veil that their father lifts when they arrive at the altar, and they cut it into long ribbons that they distribute to unmarried women present to ensure their future weddings. Symbolically, this veil is said to ward off evil spirits on the wedding day.
THE ROSARY
According to beliefs, it is considered auspicious to hang a rosary on the clothesline the day before the wedding to request favorable weather for the nuptials.
THE FOUR ELEMENTS ON THE BRIDE
Many people are aware that the bride should wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue when she gets married. In return, she should avoid wearing pearls, which symbolize the tears she may shed soon.
These traditions are believed to originate from England in the late 19th century.
The old element represents the life she has led before her marriage: the bride chooses something that represents her family, heritage, memories, or an emotional connection that has marked her past life. The new element calls for future successes within the couple. The wedding dress often serves as the new element in this case. The borrowed element symbolizes luck and happiness for the couple and is often borrowed from a happily married bride chosen by the future wife. The blue element (often subtle) symbolizes fidelity and purity. The item chosen by the bride (a handkerchief, garter, etc.) can fulfill one of these two criteria. This belief dates back to biblical times when the blue crown represented purity and fidelity.
THE GARTER
The origin of the garter in weddings dates back to the 14th century in Europe. At that time, it was customary for the male guests of the bride to try to snatch a piece of her dress, considered a good luck charm. To avoid this, the bride started wearing a garter as a symbol of chastity. The garter would then be taken off and tossed into the crowd, and whoever caught it was considered the next to get married.
Today, the tradition of the garter is often seen as a touch of sensuality in weddings. Some brides choose to wear a garter for their own enjoyment or to please their partner, but it is not mandatory. Each wedding is unique, and traditions can be adapted based on the preferences of the couple.
Tip: Wear a double garter at your wedding so that you can toss the smaller one and keep the other as a memento of those beautiful moments!
THE RING
The history of the wedding ring dates back to ancient times when the Egyptians used metal rings to symbolize eternal love. The Greeks and Romans also adopted this tradition by exchanging iron or copper rings to seal their union.
During the Middle Ages, the exchange of wedding rings became a common practice in Christian weddings. The rings were often adorned with religious symbols and were blessed during the wedding ceremony.
Over time, the wedding ring has become a universal symbol of love and commitment. Today, wedding rings are often made of gold or platinum and are engraved with initials or the wedding date.
The tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left ring finger dates back to ancient Greece, where it was believed that the fourth finger of the left hand was connected to the heart by a vein called the "vena amoris" (vein of love). This tradition then spread to Western cultures and became a common practice.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS
The father: Few still do it, but traditionally, it was the father's role to make the cedar chest to hold the trousseau items. He would also give his daughter his paternal blessing before she left the nest. Today, he is often the one who walks his daughter down the aisle to "give her away" to her future spouse and sometimes acts as a witness.
The mother: Her role was to command good weather. It was she who would hang the rosary on the clothesline the day before the wedding to ensure ideal weather. She was also the one who prepared the sugared almonds, candies, and treats offered to the guests.
THE ROLE OF THE GROOM ON THE WEDDING DAY
The bride on his left: According to tradition, the bride should stand to the left of her future groom. This practice dates back to a time when men would kidnap their future brides. To protect themselves from potential opponents to their marriage, the groom would hold his future wife's hand on his left side so that he could freely use his sword on his right side.
The groom carries his bride when entering their home: In the past, it was believed that by accompanying the bride into their marital home, the groom would protect her from evil spirits waiting at the doorstep. It was also said that a bride who stumbled when entering her home for the first time as a wife would bring bad luck. To ensure that this didn't happen, the groom would carry her in his arms.
Today, with alcohol consumed during the celebration, it may be safer for the bride to enter on her own two feet!
FLOWERS
Flowers still hold a significant place in the bride's bouquet. In the past, they symbolized fertility, while today they add a personal touch to the dress. It is important to choose flowers carefully, as each has its own symbolism. For example, roses symbolize love, daisies innocence, lilies purity, lilacs tenderness, and ivy eternal love. However, it is advised to avoid carnations, as they are considered unlucky.
RICE, CONFETTI, MAGIC BUTTERFLIES, OR DOVES
The tradition of throwing rice at weddings aims to bestow strength, abundance, fertility, and prosperity upon the couple. Nowadays, petals and confetti are used to protect the couple from evil spirits and bring them happiness and good fortune. The release of doves symbolizes fidelity and monogamy, while butterflies represent a new beginning, freedom, and loyalty.
THE BOUQUET TOSS
The eternal bouquet tosses! One of the most well-known and fun rituals, the bouquet toss is an essential part of weddings. The bride, without looking, throws her bouquet among the women present, and the one who catches it is said to be the next to get married within the year. This tradition has a distant origin: originally, it involved stealing a shoe from the bride to prevent her from committing adultery. But over time, it evolved into the bouquet toss, symbolizing the sharing of the bride's fertility with the one who catches it. It is even possible to throw the bouquet to all the women present, whether they are married or not!
DRAGÉES
Dragées, also known as sugar-coated candies, have a long history in weddings. Ancient Greeks and Romans offered dragées to guests during special events such as weddings, births, and religious celebrations. Dragées were considered a refined sweetness and symbolized wealth and prosperity.
In Europe, dragées continued to be a popular element in weddings and other special occasions. During the Middle Ages, dragées were often associated with fertility and were offered to guests to promote the fertility of the married couple.
Today, dragées are often given to guests at weddings in boxes or sachets and are often associated with specific wedding colors. Modern dragées can be made from various types of nuts, seeds, or fruits, coated in sugar or chocolate. However, the tradition of dragées remains an important element in many weddings around the world.
THE FIRST DANCE
The tradition of having a first dance at a wedding, dates back to the medieval era in Europe, where couples would meet at balls and wedding celebrations. It was an opportunity for them to showcase their attire and dance skills.
The first dance symbolizes the opening of the dance floor and marks the beginning of the celebration for the guests. It is often danced to a slow and romantic song and is considered an intimate moment between the newlyweds.
The significance of the first dance varies across cultures and traditions. In some cultures, it represents the start of their married life and the promise to dance together to the music of life. In other cultures, it is a symbol of unity and mutual respect between the spouses.
Regardless of the specific meaning, the first dance is an important and emotional moment for the newlyweds, and it will be a cherished memory for the rest of their lives.