Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe. While the modern superstition either changes the sixpence to a penny, or leaves it out all together, it’s one of the most common superstitions known to brides.
What does it all mean?
Something old was meant to provide protection for the bride’s children. Something new represented the start of the union. Something borrowed was to bring luck from another happy bride. Something blue was to ward off the evil eye and the sixpence was for wealth and prosperity for the new couple.
According to 17th century England, those items on your wedding day would lead to success in your marriage. So what about the other weird and wonderful superstitions and traditions? Some you may have heard of, but others you might find surprising.
Traditions and Superstitions
1. Days of the Week: Most weddings occur on Saturdays. It’s more convenient for guests and the bridal party to attend. But according to the Celts: “Monday for abundance, Tuesday for wellness, Wednesday is the greatest day of all. Thursday for the losses, Friday for wedding crosses and Saturday for no luck at all.”
2. Colors: White is the traditional color for a wedding gown, because when “Married in white, you will have chosen all right.” The verse continues to say that grey takes you far away, blue you will always be true, yellow you’re ashamed of your fellow, and pink your spirits will sink. Before the last century, most brides wore their best outfit rather than purchasing a special dress for the day. However, they always avoided black, you’ll wish yourself back, green you’re ashamed to be seen, and red, you’ll wish you were dead.
3. Flowers: Not everyone loves roses and most brides pick their flowers now to represent what they like which sounds simple. But the choice of flower wasn’t always so common.
The color of roses is as important to superstition as the flower. Red is passion. White is innocence. Purple means it was love at first sight.
Orchids symbolize luxury, beauty, and strength. Baby’s Breath signals everlasting love, and Daisies are a symbol of innocence, purity, and new beginnings.
4. Weather: If you’re hoping for sunshine on your wedding day, one tradition suggests burying a bottle of bourbon upside down 30 days before the date. Overcast days, while difficult times may be ahead, you’ll be able to work through it together. Snow signifies warmth and peace in your marriage. Rain is a little trickier. Different cultures believe rain on your wedding day signifies good fortune and fertility, while others consider it the sign of a sorrowful future. Go with the good fortune
5. Animals: Meeting a new dog on your wedding day is good luck, and if a bride and groom encounter a black cat on the day, it’s a sign of good fortune. Good luck is also supposed to follow a couple that lets a cat eat out of their left shoe. Beware of spider webs in your dress. They are very bad luck, but a spider can mean good luck.
6. Throwing Rice: Most couples opt out of rice itself and that’s okay. Originally the roman threw wheat or oat seeds to send good fortune and joy to the couple. Peas are thrown in some cultures and bread was used during the Middle Ages. At one point, even shoes were hurled at the bride and groom as they tried to get away in the carriage. The more shoes that hit the carriage, the better luck the couple would have.
Other superstitions and traditions run throughout cultures and religions all over the world. Most of us have seen individuals of the Jewish faith breaking a glass at a wedding, but many Italian couples also promote this tradition. The number of pieces of glass represent the years of happiness your marriage will have.
A sapphire in the wedding ring means happiness, a pearl is said to present sorrow, and please be careful ring bearers and best men. Dropping those rings can release some evil spirits.
Whether you’re superstitious or not, chances are you will follow some of the traditions. FanC Designs provides you with something white, something new, and we may even give you a penny for your shoe. Just avoid passing a nun or a monk on the way to the wedding. It’s bad luck.