Wedding Traditions & Legends
Where and when did they originate ........What do they mean.
Wedding Lore
Something OLD—bride’s ties to the past
Something NEW—bride’s hope for the future
Something BORROWED—friendship
Something BLUE—faithfulness
AND
a Silver SIXPENCE for her shoe
The Kiss
The Kiss was actually the legal bond that sealed all Roman contracts, including marriage. It was also the belief that when
they kissed, a part of one's soul was left in the other in the breath that was taken.
The Wedding Cake
The wedding cake in Roman times was broken over the bride’s head to wish the couple a life of plenty. Guests would gather
crumbs for good luck.
In Medieval England the Multi-tiered wedding cake was conceived from the tradition of the guests of the bride and groom
bringing small cakes for the reception and placing them in a pile on a table. The bride and groom were to kiss for good luck
over the cakes. To help keep the pile together, the cakes were iced to each other, making the first tiered cake.
The Veil
The Veil was long a symbol of youth and virginity and was used to ward off evil. The Color Red was for defiance, the Color
Yellow for Hymen, the goddess of marriage.
Later, it is said Nellie Custis, Martha Washington's daughter, was the first to wear the now traditional white. All because
her sutior complemented her beauty while she stood behind a lace window curtain! (good thing she wasn't standing behind a
rack of beef!!)
Ring of Love
A stone, filled with the "fires of love" is why the diamond has become the symbol of engaged couples everywhere. No other
stone can portray the intensity and strength of true love so well.
The ring of gold, a symbol of lasting beauty, purity, and strength, itself has been a symbol of the joining of a man and
woman as a perfect union since the Egyptians used it in hieroglyphics to portray eternity. A never-ending circle, a perfect
symbol for an everlasting love of the heart.
The Romans furthered this tradition by choosing the third finger on the left hand as the place for this most special ring. It
was believed that the "vena amoris", the vein of love ran from this finger directly to the heart.
The Toast
Once-upon-a-time…
The French had a custom for giving the Bride their best wishes. A piece of TOASTED BREAD was placed at the bottom of a
glass and filled with wine. At the wedding, the glass was passed from guest to guest. With each sip, the guest added
their wish for the couple until at last, the Bride was given the cup. She finished the wine and the ‘treat of wishes’ at the
bottom. Thus was born the TOAST.
Toasting
Toasting comes from an ancient French custom of placing bread in the bottom of the glass - a good toaster drained the
drink to get the "toast." According to legend, when a bride and groom drink their wedding toast, whoever finishes first will
rule the family.
A very lovely English toast goes like this:
Love, be true to her,
Life, be dear to her,
Health, stay close to her,
Joy, draw near to her,
Fortune, find what you can do for her,
Search your treasure house through for her
Follow her footsteps the wide world over
And keep her husband always her lover.
Wedding Cake Charms
Once-upon-a-time… During the Victorian era, a bride would plant small charms, attached to ribbons, in the layers of her
WEDDING CAKE. Her bridesmaids and women closest to her would pull a CHARM from the cake before it was cut. Each
CHARM was an object that foretold the young lady’s future. Today, Ribbon Pulls are found at Showers and Bridesmaids
Luncheons as well as weddings.
Honeymoon
Once-upon-a-time…
The newlyweds stole away to a remote hiding place where they drank wine made of honey and yeast for 30 days—
or from one full moon to the next. Thus, the term HONEYMOON came about. It was a time for the couple to explore and
enjoy the passion of their new life together. Honeymoons today don’t usually last a full month but the passion still exists
After the successful capture of the bride, was “the hiding” (Honeymoon), and by the time the bride's family would find
them, the bride would already be pregnant. The word honey is from "meala" in Irish. The word for honeymoon is "mi na
meala", the “month of honey” and refers to how the bride and groom would spend that period of time.
What does Bridal mean?
The term “Bridal” came from the brew the bride and groom would drink, and was referred to as "bryd ealu" or "bride's
ale," which evolved into "bridal".
What does Wedding mean?
“Wedding” literally meant the purchase of a bride for breeding purposes.
The word wedding comes from the root meaning to gamble or wager. The Anglo-Saxon word "wedd" meant that the groom
would vow to marry the woman, but it also meant the money or barter that the groom paid the bride's father. This is believed
why it is still customary for the father-of-the-bride to “give away” his daughter.
“Tie the Knot"
To “Tie the Knot”, came from the Roman times when the bride wore a girdle that was tied into knots which the groom had the
fun of untying.
You may Kiss the Bride…
The kiss that seals the wedding is much more than a sign of affection. It has long been a token of bonding and the
exchange of spirits as each partner sends a part of their self into the new spouse's soul, there to abide ever after.
Food for Thought
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. In some European countries, eggs are thrown instead.
Dressing Up
Married in White, you have chosen right
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Blue, you will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Brown, you will live in the town,
Married in Pink, you spirit will sink.
Flower Girls
Once-upon-a-time…
The ceremonial path of the Bride and Groom was filled with flower petals thrown by children—all of which symbolized love,
fertility, and good fortune. And legend has it that the flower girl should be the last to enter before the Bride since it must
be the Bride’s foot that first touches each petal! Today, an adorably dressed child carrying a basket of flowers,adds
innocence to the processional
Bridesmaids
Once-upon-a-time…
‘Evil spirits’ were thought to lie in wait to spoil any happy occasion. While Bridesmaids hovered over the Bride to ready her
for the wedding, their most important task was to dress exactly like the Bride so as to confuse those ‘Evil Spirits’and hinder
their efforts to ruin the Bride’s celebration!
Wedding Traditions and Customs History
Terms are Listed in Alphabetical Order
· 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.
· 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."
· Bridal Showers:
The Bridal Shower originated with the intent to strengthen friendships between the bride and her friends. In this
gathering, the bride’s friends would give her moral support and help her prepare for her marriage. The idea to give gifts is
fairly new; originating circa the 1890’s. At one shower, the bride’s friend placed small gifts inside a parasol and opened it
over the bride’s head so that the presents would "shower" over her. When word of this hit the fashion pages, people were so
taken with the idea that they decided to do the same at their showers.
· 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.
· Diamond Engagement Rings:
These lavish gifts were given by medieval Italians in the belief that the diamond was created in the Flames of Love.
· Garter Toss/Bouquet Toss:
In the 14th century, it was customary for the bride to toss her garter to the men, but sometimes the men got too drunk, and
would become impatient and try to take the garter off her ahead of time. (Eventually the groom got into the act and saved
his bride from the unruly mob…we hope). All the same, it got to less trouble for her to toss her bridal bouquet instead.
· Honeymoon:
Following the abduction, the groom would put himself and his bride into hiding – the Honeymoon – so that by the time the
bride’s family found them, the bride would already be pregnant.
· Shoes on the Bumper:
Tying shoes to the bumper of the car represents the symbolism and power of shoes in ancient times. Egyptians would
exchange sandals when they exchanged goods, so when the father of the bride gave his daughter to the groom, he would
also give the bride’s sandals to show that she now belonged to the groom. In Anglo-Saxon times, the groom would tap the
heel of the bride’s shoe to show his authority over her. In later times, people would throw shoes at the couple. Now,
thankfully, folks just tie shoes to the new couple’s car.
· Something Blue:
In continuing with the discussion of the white wedding dress, it should be noted that – in Biblical days – blue represented
purity. Thus the bride and groom would wear a blue band around the bottom of their wedding attire, hence something blue.
· Stag Parties:
Ancient Spartan soldiers were the first to hold stag parties. The groom would feast with his male friends on the night
before his wedding. In this event he would say good-bye to the carefree days of bachelorhood and swear continued
allegiance to his comrades.
· Tie the Knot:
This wonderful expression originated from Roman times when the bride wore a girdle that were tied in knots which the
groom had the fun of untying. As a side note, this phrase can also refer to the tying of the knot in Hand fasting Ceremonies,
which were often performed without the benefit of a clergy.
· Veil:
Along with these kidnappings and bartering, there were also arranged marriages. In these, the groom’s family informed him
that he was to marry…but they very rarely let him see the bride. After all, if the groom didn’t like the bride’s looks, he might
not agree to the marriage. With this in mind, the father of the bride gave the bride away to the groom who then lifted the
veil to see his wife of all eternity for the first time. (I have to wonder how many of these grooms voiced their reactions
aloud.)
· Wedding:
Although the aforementioned events were common, marriage by purchase was preferred. Quite often the bride was
exchanged for land, political alliance, social status and/or currency. Indeed, the Anglo-Saxon word "wedd" meant the
groom would vow to marry the woman – and that the bartered goods and/or currency would go directly to the bride’s father.
(Side note: the very word "wedding" comes from the root term meaning "gamble" or "wager".) In short, a wedding seemed
little more than the purchase of a bride for breeding purposes. Not a particularly liberated point of view.
· 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.
· Wedding Cake:
Like most any other ritual handed down from the ages, a wedding wouldn’t be complete without fertility symbols, like the
wedding cake. Ancient Romans would bake a cake made of wheat or barley and break it over the bride’s head as a symbol of
her fertility. (Whether this meant cracking the cake above the bride’s head or actually bonking her on the noggin with it is
rather unclear. We’re not sure we want to know…) Over time, it became traditional to stack several cakes atop one another,
as tall as possible. The bride and groom would then be charged to kiss over this tower without knocking it over. If they were
successful, a lifetime of good fortune was certain for the new couple. Finally, during the reign of King Charles II of
England, it became customary for cake to be a palatable palace iced with sugar.
· White Wedding Dress:
Anne of Brittany made the white wedding dress popular in 1499. Before that, a woman Just wore her best dress. It should
be noted that a white wedding dress is in no way indicative of The "purity" of the bride-to-be. Indeed, white is not
accorded as a symbol of chastity, but of joy.
WEDDING RING
The marriage ring represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love. It is a representation of the promises joining both
the bride and groom together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally
believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart -- the perfect place to place a symbol, representing eternal
love and commitment
KISS
No ceremony is complete without the kiss. In fact, there was a time when an engagement would be null and void without one.
Dating back from early Roman times, the kiss represented a legal bond that sealed all contracts.
THROWING OF THE GARTER BELT
This ritual dates back to a time when woman wore hose with a garter belt. It was a chance for the single men to share in the
good fortune of the groom. Today, it is believed that the man who catches the garter when it is thrown will be the next to
marry
UNITY CANDLE
The unity candle is a symbol of family unity. Usually a single candle (representing the newly married couple) is lit with two
individual candles, each representing the bride's and groom's families
The white aisle runner symbolized God's holiness and walking on holy ground. It is believed that marriage is not just
between two individuals but includes the presence of God who is actively involved in the marriage ceremony
Jumping The Broom
The most widely known African American wedding tradition is "jumping
the broom". According to Thony Anyiams, a Nigerian wedding fashion designer, the tradition is an African one, used by
enslaved Africans in America as a way to maintain their ties to their culture and their homeland. They jumped the broom
because that is the way weddings were ritualized in their African homeland.
What is jumping the broom? Simply, it is a ceremony in which the bride and groom, either at the ceremony or reception,
signify their entrance into a new life and their creation of a new family by symbolically “sweeping away” their former
single lives, former problems and concerns, and stepping over the broom to enter upon a new adventure as husband and
wife.
Weddings are filled with customs and traditions.... "Something old, something blue..." and all that stuff! Have you ever
stopped to wonder what on earth it all really means and where it all originated?
Most of these customs have endured the test of time, having been begun centuries ago. How very fascinating that is! How is
it that they survive?
They have been maintained over time because such traditions carry with them the promise that they will bring happiness and
good fortune to the couple at this transitional time in their life - and who could be brave enough to tamper with that?
Did you know that:
to an old legend, the month in which you marry may have some bearing on the fate of the marriage:
"Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true;
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate;
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know;
Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man;
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day;
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go;
Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bred;
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see;
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine;
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry;
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember;
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last".
For centuries the month of June has been the most popular choice for weddings - but the original reason might surprise you.
You see, during the 1400-1500s, May was the month in which the "annual bath" occurred. Yes, just as it sounds, back then
people were only able to bathe thoroughly once each year. As such, the over-all population was smelling relatively fresh in
June, making it a good time to hold a special event like a wedding! Further, the month of June is named after the goddess
Juno, who was the Roman counterpart to Hera, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron of wives.
Traditionally brides have been thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits. Many wedding customs and traditions
were originated as an attempt to fight away such evil. The veil was worn with the belief that it would disguise the bride and
fool the evil spirits. It was not until 1800 in Britain that the veil came to symbolize modesty and chastity. Today, the veil
remains the ultimate symbol of virginity.
Cutting the wedding cake together, still a predominant ritual at weddings, symbolizes the couple's unity, their shared
future, and their life together as one.
The Breaking of the Glass
Once-upon-a-time… Jewish weddings started the tradition of the BREAKING of the GLASS. The beginnings of the custom
are shrouded in mystery. Some think it goes back to the Destruction of the Temple and the act helps to separate ones self
from past sadness. The object is for the Bride and Groom each to sip from a glass. It is then slipped into a bag. The groom
places it on the floor and with his foot shatters it. All the while, the guests are chanting MAZEL TOV or 'Good Luck' in
Hebrew. The pieces are kept to remind us of how fragile life
Where and when did they originate ........What do they mean.
Wedding Lore
Something OLD—bride’s ties to the past
Something NEW—bride’s hope for the future
Something BORROWED—friendship
Something BLUE—faithfulness
AND
a Silver SIXPENCE for her shoe
The Kiss
The Kiss was actually the legal bond that sealed all Roman contracts, including marriage. It was also the belief that when
they kissed, a part of one's soul was left in the other in the breath that was taken.
The Wedding Cake
The wedding cake in Roman times was broken over the bride’s head to wish the couple a life of plenty. Guests would gather
crumbs for good luck.
In Medieval England the Multi-tiered wedding cake was conceived from the tradition of the guests of the bride and groom
bringing small cakes for the reception and placing them in a pile on a table. The bride and groom were to kiss for good luck
over the cakes. To help keep the pile together, the cakes were iced to each other, making the first tiered cake.
The Veil
The Veil was long a symbol of youth and virginity and was used to ward off evil. The Color Red was for defiance, the Color
Yellow for Hymen, the goddess of marriage.
Later, it is said Nellie Custis, Martha Washington's daughter, was the first to wear the now traditional white. All because
her sutior complemented her beauty while she stood behind a lace window curtain! (good thing she wasn't standing behind a
rack of beef!!)
Ring of Love
A stone, filled with the "fires of love" is why the diamond has become the symbol of engaged couples everywhere. No other
stone can portray the intensity and strength of true love so well.
The ring of gold, a symbol of lasting beauty, purity, and strength, itself has been a symbol of the joining of a man and
woman as a perfect union since the Egyptians used it in hieroglyphics to portray eternity. A never-ending circle, a perfect
symbol for an everlasting love of the heart.
The Romans furthered this tradition by choosing the third finger on the left hand as the place for this most special ring. It
was believed that the "vena amoris", the vein of love ran from this finger directly to the heart.
The Toast
Once-upon-a-time…
The French had a custom for giving the Bride their best wishes. A piece of TOASTED BREAD was placed at the bottom of a
glass and filled with wine. At the wedding, the glass was passed from guest to guest. With each sip, the guest added
their wish for the couple until at last, the Bride was given the cup. She finished the wine and the ‘treat of wishes’ at the
bottom. Thus was born the TOAST.
Toasting
Toasting comes from an ancient French custom of placing bread in the bottom of the glass - a good toaster drained the
drink to get the "toast." According to legend, when a bride and groom drink their wedding toast, whoever finishes first will
rule the family.
A very lovely English toast goes like this:
Love, be true to her,
Life, be dear to her,
Health, stay close to her,
Joy, draw near to her,
Fortune, find what you can do for her,
Search your treasure house through for her
Follow her footsteps the wide world over
And keep her husband always her lover.
Wedding Cake Charms
Once-upon-a-time… During the Victorian era, a bride would plant small charms, attached to ribbons, in the layers of her
WEDDING CAKE. Her bridesmaids and women closest to her would pull a CHARM from the cake before it was cut. Each
CHARM was an object that foretold the young lady’s future. Today, Ribbon Pulls are found at Showers and Bridesmaids
Luncheons as well as weddings.
Honeymoon
Once-upon-a-time…
The newlyweds stole away to a remote hiding place where they drank wine made of honey and yeast for 30 days—
or from one full moon to the next. Thus, the term HONEYMOON came about. It was a time for the couple to explore and
enjoy the passion of their new life together. Honeymoons today don’t usually last a full month but the passion still exists
After the successful capture of the bride, was “the hiding” (Honeymoon), and by the time the bride's family would find
them, the bride would already be pregnant. The word honey is from "meala" in Irish. The word for honeymoon is "mi na
meala", the “month of honey” and refers to how the bride and groom would spend that period of time.
What does Bridal mean?
The term “Bridal” came from the brew the bride and groom would drink, and was referred to as "bryd ealu" or "bride's
ale," which evolved into "bridal".
What does Wedding mean?
“Wedding” literally meant the purchase of a bride for breeding purposes.
The word wedding comes from the root meaning to gamble or wager. The Anglo-Saxon word "wedd" meant that the groom
would vow to marry the woman, but it also meant the money or barter that the groom paid the bride's father. This is believed
why it is still customary for the father-of-the-bride to “give away” his daughter.
“Tie the Knot"
To “Tie the Knot”, came from the Roman times when the bride wore a girdle that was tied into knots which the groom had the
fun of untying.
You may Kiss the Bride…
The kiss that seals the wedding is much more than a sign of affection. It has long been a token of bonding and the
exchange of spirits as each partner sends a part of their self into the new spouse's soul, there to abide ever after.
Food for Thought
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. In some European countries, eggs are thrown instead.
Dressing Up
Married in White, you have chosen right
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Blue, you will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Brown, you will live in the town,
Married in Pink, you spirit will sink.
Flower Girls
Once-upon-a-time…
The ceremonial path of the Bride and Groom was filled with flower petals thrown by children—all of which symbolized love,
fertility, and good fortune. And legend has it that the flower girl should be the last to enter before the Bride since it must
be the Bride’s foot that first touches each petal! Today, an adorably dressed child carrying a basket of flowers,adds
innocence to the processional
Bridesmaids
Once-upon-a-time…
‘Evil spirits’ were thought to lie in wait to spoil any happy occasion. While Bridesmaids hovered over the Bride to ready her
for the wedding, their most important task was to dress exactly like the Bride so as to confuse those ‘Evil Spirits’and hinder
their efforts to ruin the Bride’s celebration!
Wedding Traditions and Customs History
Terms are Listed in Alphabetical Order
· 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.
· 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."
· Bridal Showers:
The Bridal Shower originated with the intent to strengthen friendships between the bride and her friends. In this
gathering, the bride’s friends would give her moral support and help her prepare for her marriage. The idea to give gifts is
fairly new; originating circa the 1890’s. At one shower, the bride’s friend placed small gifts inside a parasol and opened it
over the bride’s head so that the presents would "shower" over her. When word of this hit the fashion pages, people were so
taken with the idea that they decided to do the same at their showers.
· 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.
· Diamond Engagement Rings:
These lavish gifts were given by medieval Italians in the belief that the diamond was created in the Flames of Love.
· Garter Toss/Bouquet Toss:
In the 14th century, it was customary for the bride to toss her garter to the men, but sometimes the men got too drunk, and
would become impatient and try to take the garter off her ahead of time. (Eventually the groom got into the act and saved
his bride from the unruly mob…we hope). All the same, it got to less trouble for her to toss her bridal bouquet instead.
· Honeymoon:
Following the abduction, the groom would put himself and his bride into hiding – the Honeymoon – so that by the time the
bride’s family found them, the bride would already be pregnant.
· Shoes on the Bumper:
Tying shoes to the bumper of the car represents the symbolism and power of shoes in ancient times. Egyptians would
exchange sandals when they exchanged goods, so when the father of the bride gave his daughter to the groom, he would
also give the bride’s sandals to show that she now belonged to the groom. In Anglo-Saxon times, the groom would tap the
heel of the bride’s shoe to show his authority over her. In later times, people would throw shoes at the couple. Now,
thankfully, folks just tie shoes to the new couple’s car.
· Something Blue:
In continuing with the discussion of the white wedding dress, it should be noted that – in Biblical days – blue represented
purity. Thus the bride and groom would wear a blue band around the bottom of their wedding attire, hence something blue.
· Stag Parties:
Ancient Spartan soldiers were the first to hold stag parties. The groom would feast with his male friends on the night
before his wedding. In this event he would say good-bye to the carefree days of bachelorhood and swear continued
allegiance to his comrades.
· Tie the Knot:
This wonderful expression originated from Roman times when the bride wore a girdle that were tied in knots which the
groom had the fun of untying. As a side note, this phrase can also refer to the tying of the knot in Hand fasting Ceremonies,
which were often performed without the benefit of a clergy.
· Veil:
Along with these kidnappings and bartering, there were also arranged marriages. In these, the groom’s family informed him
that he was to marry…but they very rarely let him see the bride. After all, if the groom didn’t like the bride’s looks, he might
not agree to the marriage. With this in mind, the father of the bride gave the bride away to the groom who then lifted the
veil to see his wife of all eternity for the first time. (I have to wonder how many of these grooms voiced their reactions
aloud.)
· Wedding:
Although the aforementioned events were common, marriage by purchase was preferred. Quite often the bride was
exchanged for land, political alliance, social status and/or currency. Indeed, the Anglo-Saxon word "wedd" meant the
groom would vow to marry the woman – and that the bartered goods and/or currency would go directly to the bride’s father.
(Side note: the very word "wedding" comes from the root term meaning "gamble" or "wager".) In short, a wedding seemed
little more than the purchase of a bride for breeding purposes. Not a particularly liberated point of view.
· 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.
· Wedding Cake:
Like most any other ritual handed down from the ages, a wedding wouldn’t be complete without fertility symbols, like the
wedding cake. Ancient Romans would bake a cake made of wheat or barley and break it over the bride’s head as a symbol of
her fertility. (Whether this meant cracking the cake above the bride’s head or actually bonking her on the noggin with it is
rather unclear. We’re not sure we want to know…) Over time, it became traditional to stack several cakes atop one another,
as tall as possible. The bride and groom would then be charged to kiss over this tower without knocking it over. If they were
successful, a lifetime of good fortune was certain for the new couple. Finally, during the reign of King Charles II of
England, it became customary for cake to be a palatable palace iced with sugar.
· White Wedding Dress:
Anne of Brittany made the white wedding dress popular in 1499. Before that, a woman Just wore her best dress. It should
be noted that a white wedding dress is in no way indicative of The "purity" of the bride-to-be. Indeed, white is not
accorded as a symbol of chastity, but of joy.
WEDDING RING
The marriage ring represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love. It is a representation of the promises joining both
the bride and groom together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally
believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart -- the perfect place to place a symbol, representing eternal
love and commitment
KISS
No ceremony is complete without the kiss. In fact, there was a time when an engagement would be null and void without one.
Dating back from early Roman times, the kiss represented a legal bond that sealed all contracts.
THROWING OF THE GARTER BELT
This ritual dates back to a time when woman wore hose with a garter belt. It was a chance for the single men to share in the
good fortune of the groom. Today, it is believed that the man who catches the garter when it is thrown will be the next to
marry
UNITY CANDLE
The unity candle is a symbol of family unity. Usually a single candle (representing the newly married couple) is lit with two
individual candles, each representing the bride's and groom's families
The white aisle runner symbolized God's holiness and walking on holy ground. It is believed that marriage is not just
between two individuals but includes the presence of God who is actively involved in the marriage ceremony
Jumping The Broom
The most widely known African American wedding tradition is "jumping
the broom". According to Thony Anyiams, a Nigerian wedding fashion designer, the tradition is an African one, used by
enslaved Africans in America as a way to maintain their ties to their culture and their homeland. They jumped the broom
because that is the way weddings were ritualized in their African homeland.
What is jumping the broom? Simply, it is a ceremony in which the bride and groom, either at the ceremony or reception,
signify their entrance into a new life and their creation of a new family by symbolically “sweeping away” their former
single lives, former problems and concerns, and stepping over the broom to enter upon a new adventure as husband and
wife.
Weddings are filled with customs and traditions.... "Something old, something blue..." and all that stuff! Have you ever
stopped to wonder what on earth it all really means and where it all originated?
Most of these customs have endured the test of time, having been begun centuries ago. How very fascinating that is! How is
it that they survive?
They have been maintained over time because such traditions carry with them the promise that they will bring happiness and
good fortune to the couple at this transitional time in their life - and who could be brave enough to tamper with that?
Did you know that:
to an old legend, the month in which you marry may have some bearing on the fate of the marriage:
"Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true;
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate;
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know;
Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man;
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day;
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go;
Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bred;
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see;
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine;
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry;
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember;
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last".
For centuries the month of June has been the most popular choice for weddings - but the original reason might surprise you.
You see, during the 1400-1500s, May was the month in which the "annual bath" occurred. Yes, just as it sounds, back then
people were only able to bathe thoroughly once each year. As such, the over-all population was smelling relatively fresh in
June, making it a good time to hold a special event like a wedding! Further, the month of June is named after the goddess
Juno, who was the Roman counterpart to Hera, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron of wives.
Traditionally brides have been thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits. Many wedding customs and traditions
were originated as an attempt to fight away such evil. The veil was worn with the belief that it would disguise the bride and
fool the evil spirits. It was not until 1800 in Britain that the veil came to symbolize modesty and chastity. Today, the veil
remains the ultimate symbol of virginity.
Cutting the wedding cake together, still a predominant ritual at weddings, symbolizes the couple's unity, their shared
future, and their life together as one.
The Breaking of the Glass
Once-upon-a-time… Jewish weddings started the tradition of the BREAKING of the GLASS. The beginnings of the custom
are shrouded in mystery. Some think it goes back to the Destruction of the Temple and the act helps to separate ones self
from past sadness. The object is for the Bride and Groom each to sip from a glass. It is then slipped into a bag. The groom
places it on the floor and with his foot shatters it. All the while, the guests are chanting MAZEL TOV or 'Good Luck' in
Hebrew. The pieces are kept to remind us of how fragile life
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Something Old represents the link with the bride’s family and the past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of antique
family jewelry or a mother or grandmother’s wedding gown. Something New represents good fortune and success in the
bride’s new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item. Something Borrowed is to remind the bride that
friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object might be something such as a lace
handkerchief. If the bride borrowed anything from a happily married women, it was thought to transfer her good fortune
and joy to the soon-to-be bride. These customs are thought to be ancient Hebrew traditions. Something Blue is the
symbol of faithfulness and loyalty. Often the blue item is the garter. Brides of the Old World wore Blue on their wedding
day as a symbol of love, fidelity, and purity. A Silver Sixpence For Her Shoe is to wish the bride wealth.
Once-upon-a-time…The father of the Bride, on her wedding day,would place a shiny, silver SIXPENCE into her slipper.
Tradition states, that in so doing, good fortune would be hers throughout her life.
This ritual dates back to a time when women wore hose with a garter belt. It was a chance for the single men to share in the
good fortune of the groom. Throwing the garter began in France when pieces of the bridal attire were considered lucky. In the
14th century, it was customary for the bride to toss her garter to the men, but sometimes the men got too drunk, and would
become impatient and try to take the garter off her ahead of time. It got to be less trouble for her just to toss the bridal
bouquet. In the United States, the groom traditionally removes the garter from the bride and throws it to the unmarried men.
Today, it is believed that the man who catches the garter when it is thrown will be the next to marry. At some weddings the man
who catches the garter will place it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet or they may start the next dance. It is also
common for the recipients of the bouquet and garter to have a photograph taken with the bride and groom. The garter is placed
on the bride’s right leg, just above the knee. Often the bride chooses to wear both a garter to throw as well as a garter that she
would keep.
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Copyright© 2005, Garters by Gingersnap!. All Rights Reserved
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