5 Wedding Traditions and Superstitions
Planning a wedding is stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun. You can choose the venue, the dress, and the photographer, and then there are all those little details that come along with planning any event. One thing you'll want to think about carefully is your wedding traditions. Maybe you want to include some old-fashioned rituals in your ceremony or reception, or maybe you want to break with tradition altogether and do something unique instead. In any case, here are five wedding traditions as well as their origins and how they changed over time.
Rain on your wedding day is good luck!
There are many superstitions involving rain. Some people believe that if it rains on your wedding day, it's a sign of good luck and that you will always be together. Others believe that it's a symbol of fertility and prosperity, with the rain washing away all of your bad luck.
Rain on your wedding day also ties into the expression “to tie the knot.” Several cultures share in or have shared in the tradition of handfasting. During these ceremonies, if the knots get wet, it makes the knot stronger and unlikely ever to unravel. This, of course, is a symbol of the strength of your union.
If you think it may rain on your wedding day, embrace it. Grab a clear umbrella and use the opportunity to get some unique and beautiful photos.
The Groom carries the bride across the threshold.
The tradition of the groom carrying his bride across the threshold is a symbol of taking care of her and welcoming her into their new home. It dates back to medieval times when newlyweds would have to cross over fire pits and other dangerous obstacles before entering their homes. This was done to show that they were willing to accept each other as part of their family, even if it meant risking injury or death.
In modern times, this tradition has become more symbolic than practical, but it still carries meaning for many couples who want to start out on the right foot with their marriages.
Don't see the bride before the wedding day.
This tradition dates back to when arranged marriages were more common. You were not to see your future spouse until the wedding. This is also why some brides wore veils, so your husband-to-be didn't see you until the very last minute. This evolved and changed to be thought of as bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.
In regard to this tradition, you should do what is best for you. If you want to have a private moment for just the two of you before the wedding and have a first look, you should do it. If you want to wait until the wedding ceremony, that's great too. Do what is best for you!
Why your wedding ring goes on the 4th finger?
The 4th finger is the ring finger, and this is where your wedding ring should go. It's associated with the heart and was once believed to have a vein connecting your finger to your heart. A wedding ring is a symbol of your love for one another, so it makes sense that you'd want to wear it on your most important finger!
I always thought the bigger debate when it comes to wedding rings is which is worn first, your engagement ring or your wedding ring? Often during a wedding ceremony, the bride is wearing her engagement ring already, so her wedding ring is added to her ring finger, but there are others who prefer their wedding ring then their engagement ring after.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue is part of an old English rhyme from the 19th century. These four items are the core of many wedding superstitions. In fact, they can be seen as the building blocks of every good marriage!
Something old is to bring good luck. The idea behind this is that you should wear or carry an object that has been passed down from a family member or friend who has been married before you. It's meant to symbolize longevity in your marriage and keep away bad luck on your big day and beyond!
Something new is to show your hope and optimism for the future. This is the easiest one by far. You may have a new dress, shoes and, well, anything else you got specifically for your special day.
Something borrowed should be from a married friend or relative to bring good luck and fertility. You carry your borrowed object in hopes that the lender's good luck will rub off on you and your marriage.
Something blue is for protection and to ward off the evil eye. Blue also traditionally symbolizes love, purity, and fidelity.
If you want to make sure you have even more luck and want to honour the rhyme to the fullest, you can always add a sixpence (or a penny) to your shoe. Bonus points if the penny comes from the year you were born.
Wedding traditions are a great way to add some fun and excitement to your big day. But they can also be superstitious, so be sure to do your research before getting married!
