There’s a lot of luck associated with St. Patrick’s Day! This got us thinking about the traditions and wedding superstitions. There are so many! We’ve compiled a list of traditions and wedding superstitions that we see at almost every wedding. As with all traditions and wedding superstitions, they often vary through culture and beliefs, and are also highly personal to the couple getting married. Remember, these are just traditions and wedding superstitions, so feel free to choose which ones you want to incorporate into your wedding. The most important thing is to enjoy your special day with your loved ones.
Something Old, Something New
The first tradition and wedding superstition is the old stand-by: “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.” This rhyme refers to the five things a bride should wear on her wedding day to ensure a successful marriage. “Something old” is meant to provide protection for the bride’s eventual baby and represents continuity with the past. Hope for the future is represented with “Something New.” “Something borrowed” represents borrowed happiness from another happy bride which she has already worn. This borrowed item is also meant to transfer their luck onto the new bride’s relationship and represents the borrowed happiness. The “Something Blue” item is meant to ward off evil spirits and represents purity, love, and fidelity. Finally, you may have also heard the variation that ends with “And a sixpence in her shoe.” This sixpence is a symbol of prosperity for the newlywed couple.
To See or Not To See
Another tradition and wedding superstition we hear a lot is “Avoid seeing each other before the wedding.” Some cultures believe that seeing each other or even just the bride’s dress before the wedding can bring bad luck. This tradition dates back to when many marriages were arranged and the bride and groom weren’t allowed to see or meet each other until they were at the altar. This tradition is becoming more obsolete in our cultures, as many couples have embraced the new idea of a “First Look”.
Bouquet Toss
Tossing the bouquet is our next tradition and wedding superstition. This one originates in ancient England where guests would rush to tear off pieces of the bouquet themselves, believing that anyone who received a piece of the bouquet was bestowed with good fortune. This tradition has changed slightly over the years. The bouquet is still thought to represent good luck and fortune but now can be passed from the bride to an unwed woman via the chance of catching the bouquet after the toss. Even today, however, the old can meet the new as many single ladies can still act as rowdy as attendees of the past in trying to catch the luck of the bouquet!
Wedding Rings
The next tradition and wedding superstition we explore is the placement of the wedding ring. The placement of the wedding ring is not the same in all cultures. Typically, the ring finger is designated as the fourth finger on the left hand. The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on this digit originated from the belief that this finger has a vein running directly to the heart. In most cultures, the wedding ring signifies that the couple is in a committed relationship. Be sure to have it professionally sized and measured, so this becomes a comfortable extension of yourself.
First Dance
The first dance is likely the most personal of all the traditions and wedding superstitions we’ve covered. Historians claim the First dance can be traced back as far as the 17th century. However, it has certainly changed since the days of a formal ball. The first dance between the bride and groom is believed to set the tone for their marriage. And, today, the bride and groom share the first dance often to a song they have chosen specifically for that purpose.
Cake Cutting
The most popular tradition surrounds the cutting of the wedding cake. Originally, the wedding cake was intended to be passed out to wedding guests by only the bride. This was a way to ensure her fertility. However, as time went on and weddings became larger events, this event became a task for both the bride and groom. Today, the couple should cut the first slice of cake together and then feed it to each other. This tradition is a symbol of the couple’s commitment to provide for each other. There is also symbolism in the hand placement when cutting, it is believed that the hand of the groom is placed over that of the bride’s, to show his support and as a promise to take care of her and their future. The couple is also encouraged to cut from the bottom tier, as a reminder of the relationship’s longevity.
Making your Own Traditions
These are by no means a list of things you must include on your wedding day. Choose to include the traditions and wedding superstitions that you and your partner feel connected to. If that means including none, that’s perfectly acceptable!
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