The saying ‘Something Old, Something Blue, Something Borrowed and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe’ outlines a ritual that’s intended to bring the bride fortune, faithfulness, and wealth.
‘Tying the knot’ refers to an old Roman tradition, when brides wore girdles that were tied in knots for the groom to enjoy untying.
Brides used to wear their best dresses, but in 1499 the wedding of Anne and
Louis XII of France set a new trend for white dresses.
The couple’s first kiss was once considered part of the legal bond to seal the contract.
Hindu brides believe that a rainy wedding day gives you good luck.
Egyptian women pinch the bride for luck!
Newly-weds in Holland plant a pine tree in their garden for fortune and fertility.
In France after the ceremony, newly weds toast using a two-handled cup.
As part of the traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, a glass of sake is sipped by the newlyweds; they become wedded when the husband has taken his first sip.
German brides used to carry salt and bread in their pockets, and grooms would carry grains to bring them bounty and good fortune.
In Italy precautions were taken to protect the newly-weds from evil spirits. The groom would carry a piece of iron to fend off supernatural forces, and the bride’s veil would protect her from evil.
An old tradition in Sweden was for couples to marry on Midsummer’s Eve taking a boat to a shore side location, where they would light a bonfire with their guests. Swedish wives also accumulate three celebration rings, one for engagement, one for marriage, and another for motherhood – sounds like an excellent tradition!
At the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony, the newly-weds stamp on a wine-glass wrapped in a cloth, representing the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and symbolising the mixture of joy and sorrow that is part of married life.
