Common Wedding Traditions Explained
Weddings are often solemn religious occasions, as well a time to honor ancient cultural traditions. Many of these traditions have been used since the days of Ancient Egypt. Other traditions originate in medieval Europe. Occasionally, these traditions have been updated to accommodate contemporary culture.
Something Old – Something New
The tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” signifies a number of good wishes for the bride and groom. Something old wishes them continuity with their previous life. Something new signifies their transition into adulthood. Something borrowed, signifies the support and good wishes of family and friends. Something blue signifies the color of theborderon dresses that early brides once wore. The blue symbolized purity, constancy and fidelity.
Throwing Rice
At weddings in early periods of history, guests threw grain and nuts to signify their hopes for the newlywed’s future prosperity. Rice was often used in years when the harvest of these crops was not plentiful. In any event, it symbolized the guests’ hope for the couples future prosperity, as well as for future fertility.
The Rings
The exchange of rings was used to seal the promise of future marriage. Engagement rings notified other parties of the promised status of the bride. The Ancient Egyptians used wedding rings ofhempto signify love “without beginning and without end.” The Romans used rings of iron. The ring material evolved into gold as a symbol of purity and preciousness. In some cultures the wedding ring is worn on one hand and the engagement ring on the other. The wedding ring was worn third finger, left hand because this finger was thought to have a vein that connected directly to the heart.
Decorating the Vehicle
The tradition of decorating had its roots in superstitions about evil spirits lying in wait to torment the newly married couple. Tin cans were tied on the back of vehicles to scare off these evil spirits. Tying shoes on the back of the vehicle had a different origin. In Ancient Rome, the father transferred authority over the bride to the groom by handing over her shoes.
Carrying Over The Threshold
Carrying the bride over the threshold began in ancient days, when brides were stolen from other tribes and carried back to the groom’s home. This practice evolved into the idea of honoring the bride by carrying her into her new home.
Wedding Party
In ancient times, the wedding party was dressed similar to the bride and groom to fool evil spirits so they would not be able to identify which people were the happy couple. The wedding party served other functions, as well. In ancient days, the groomsmen were present to fight off the family of the stolen bride who came to rescue her and return her to her home. The bridesmaids were present to guard the woman and keep her from running away.
Honeymoon
The tradition of the “honeymoon” began in the ancient days of stealing brides. The groom would hold her in seclusion for the first month, or cycle of the moon, to ensure that his marriage claim was recognized. During this time, the couple would drink mead, a wine made of honey. Hence, the name “honeymoon.”
Though the meanings and the expressions may have changed to suit modern times, the old traditions and customs surrounding weddings have remained to remind us of the evolution of the institution of marriage over time.
