Wedding Traditions, Symbolism & Superstition

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

29 Jun 2007 10:48 AM

Weddings are fun. Or they should be. We've talked about wedding superstitions before, but did you know that many parts of the actual ceremony and the set up are directly related to historical ideals and superstitions?

For example, did you know:

• Traditionally, a groom would kidnap his bride and hold her with his left arm? This would keep his right arm and sword arm free to battle other suitors. Today, modern brides walk down the aisle to join their groom, but they still stand on the groom's left
• Marriages and weddings were a diplomatic means of ending strife between two families or tribes? The families would sit on opposite sides to help avoid any fighting during the wedding. Modern guests now sit on the side of who invited them
• That engagement rings often represented the 'purchase' of a bride from her father?
• The wedding ring's circular shape was supposed to represent love without a start or a finish?
• The bride's veil was worn to protect her from evil spirits that might steal her away?
• White was made fashionable by Queen Victoria? Before that, brides wore their families' colors?
• Something old means you are maintaining continuity with the changes in your life?
• Something new is the promise of your new married life
• Something borrowed is supposed to come from a happily married woman - ideally one that you admire?
• Something blue is about the color representing fidelity, love and purity of your heart?

Whether you subscribe to the wedding superstitions or not, they are great fun. My mother used to say: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a shiny penny, in your shoe." My grandmother married with a shiny penny in her shoe as her mother did before her - but my mother didn't. So when I got married, she insisted on the shiny penny - and to this day, she attributes some of our married success to the promise of the penny.

Personally, I think it has to do with enjoying yourself despite the discomfort of the penny pressing into your foot - after all, isn't that part of the success of marriage? Enjoying yourselves despite the little discomforts and troubles? What do you think?

Related Articles:

Are Dates Lucky in Love?

Is May an Unlucky Month to Get Married?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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