Wedding traditions have their origins in some rather strange and odd historical customs and superstitions. Some are based on romantic myth and others on religious beliefs.
Sharing the Wedding Cake
When the bride cuts the first slice of cake and offers it to her groom, she is carrying out an early Roman ritual. In Ancient Rome, couples plighted their troth by sharing food. Sharing food is a symbol of sharing one's life.
Wedding Bells and Honking Horns
Loud, honking horns escourting a newly married couple in a motorcade of friends and family may seem to be only in high spirits and boisterous public congratulations, but its roots go deeper. Older traditions were clanging bells and shooting guns, both methods for frightening away evil spirits.
Something Blue
Part of the old litany "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,"which describes the talismans a bride should wear on her wedding day was quite specific about the color blue. Waring a snippet of blue ribbon, or other bit of blue about her gown denotes purity, fidelity and love. It was also the color associated with the Virgin Mary.
Bridesmaids Dressing Alike
In more superstitious times, the bride and groom were surrounded by friends of similar ages dressed in similar attire, as a way of confusing evil demons. This way the demons could not find the real bride and groom and bring them bad luck. Today's bridesmaids dress alike as do the groomsmen, as it's a way of confusing any who would wish the couple ill luck.
With This Ring
Rings have been with us since time began, but they have become intimately linked to engagement and marriage. Before the minting of coins as currency, gold rings were circulated for that purpose. When a man gave his bride a god ring, it signified that he trusted her with his property. Today the diamond solitaire, symbolic of wealth and undying love, is the popular choice for American engagements.
Sharing the Wedding Cake
When the bride cuts the first slice of cake and offers it to her groom, she is carrying out an early Roman ritual. In Ancient Rome, couples plighted their troth by sharing food. Sharing food is a symbol of sharing one's life.
Wedding Bells and Honking Horns
Loud, honking horns escourting a newly married couple in a motorcade of friends and family may seem to be only in high spirits and boisterous public congratulations, but its roots go deeper. Older traditions were clanging bells and shooting guns, both methods for frightening away evil spirits.
Something Blue
Part of the old litany "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,"which describes the talismans a bride should wear on her wedding day was quite specific about the color blue. Waring a snippet of blue ribbon, or other bit of blue about her gown denotes purity, fidelity and love. It was also the color associated with the Virgin Mary.
Bridesmaids Dressing Alike
In more superstitious times, the bride and groom were surrounded by friends of similar ages dressed in similar attire, as a way of confusing evil demons. This way the demons could not find the real bride and groom and bring them bad luck. Today's bridesmaids dress alike as do the groomsmen, as it's a way of confusing any who would wish the couple ill luck.
With This Ring
Rings have been with us since time began, but they have become intimately linked to engagement and marriage. Before the minting of coins as currency, gold rings were circulated for that purpose. When a man gave his bride a god ring, it signified that he trusted her with his property. Today the diamond solitaire, symbolic of wealth and undying love, is the popular choice for American engagements.
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