Meaningful Traditions
We see these popular traditions at many weddings. Here are the origins of these common rituals.
Why does the bride throw the bouquet?
The tossing of the bouquet dates back hundreds of years ago, in England. Taking something from the bride was considered good luck so guests would rip and pull things from the bride’s gown. In order for the bride to make her exit with minimal attacks, she would throw her bouquet to distract wedding goers as she made her exit.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.
This phrase we all know so well is from an Old English rhyme: “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.” The first four items have become synonymous with good luck charms a bride needs to carry with her on her wedding day. The sixpence is largely only included in British customs.
Each of the items carries unique symbolism for the bride-to-be. Something old is said to represent the bride’s past, while the something new speaks to the couple’s happy future. The bride is supposed to get her something borrowed from someone happily married so some of that love and longevity will be shared. Something blue represents fidelity and love. The tradition for the father of the bride to place the sixpence in her shoe, wishes good fortune for the bride and groom.
Bridesmaids
The origin of the bride walking down the aisle with bridesmaids was to confuse evil spirits or those who wished to harm the bride. Initially, bridesmaids all wore the same thing as the bride, so if there were any evil spirits around, they had a more difficult time of picking the right lady to haunt. Although today, brides aren’t wary of evil spirits like they once were, the ladies still stand next to their bride to offer their love and support.
The Garter Toss
In days long ago, the bride and groom had to prove they consummated the marriage. Onlookers were involved in this process and would obtain a garment of clothing, often a garter, as proof!
Having any article of the couple’s undergarments was considered good luck. To keep things from spiraling out of control in the bedroom as those in attendance snatched at items to keep for good luck, the groom began tossing the garter out of the room to keep the peace. Thankfully, now, the tradition has the groom removing the garter and throwing it to a crowd of single men right at the reception to provide a little privacy in the boudoir on the wedding night.
Throwing Rice as the Newlyweds Depart
Originally, throwing rice at a newly married couple was meant to symbolize rain, which was synonymous with prosperity, fertility and good fortune. Then, it was widely accepted that rice was actually harmful to birds that might swoop down and eat it the next day, which prompted all sorts of replacements such as throwing bird seed, blowing bubbles or even lighting sparklers.
But according to snopes.com, this is not true. Ornithologists say that they have never heard of or seen birds dying after consuming rice thrown at weddings. Rice can pose a unique danger, albeit it to people rather than birds: rice scattered on a hard surface (such as a floor or steps) puts anyone who walks across that surface at risk of falling. Far better to prohibit rice throwing at a wedding than to end up with an injured guest. Don’t do it for the birds, do it for the in-laws.
