Way {way, way, way} back in the day, like medieval times, most brides wore dresses that they already owned or if they were lucky enough, they purchased a practical dress. One that they could wear again. This pretty much, meant that the general population of brides did not wear white wedding gowns. Then, in the 1800's when Queen Victoria married, she wore a white, lace gown...and the rest is history. Actually, the color blue is purity. And, now you know!
Tossing the bouquet
This originated in England. Women used to try to rip pieces of the brides flowers and dress to obtain some of her good luck. To escape the crazy mob of women, the bride would throw her bouquet and run! Could you imagine this sort of thing happening today??!
Giving away the bride
Can you guess when this one started? Yep, in the long ago era of arranged marriages. Daughters were considered to be the fathers property {hmmm!!} and it was his right to give away his daughter to a groom, usually for a price. Today, though, a father "gives his daughter away" to show his blessing of the marriage.
The wedding ring
The wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand since Roman Times. The Romans believed that the vein in your "ring" finger runs directly to your heart. The wedding ring is a never - ending circle symbolizing never-ending love. Personally, I love the meaning of this tradition.
The best man
He's not just there to keep the groom company. In ancient times men sometimes captured women to make them their bride. He would often take along his biggest, strongest and most trusted friend to help fight off resistance from the woman's family. That brute was then considered to be the best man among his friends. In Anglo-Saxon England the best man accompanied the groom to help defend the bride.
Bride on the left
In Anglo-Saxon England the bride stood to the left of the groom to keep his sword hand free.
Something old
This represents the bride's link to her family. She may choose to wear an heirloom brooch, her great-grandmothers engagement ring {my mother-in-law lent me her grandmothers 3ct hand-etched ring}, or she may wear her mother's or grandmother's wedding gown.
Something new
Representing hope for good fortune and success in the future, most brides choose the wedding gown as their "something new".
Something borrowed
Something borrowed usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to lend some of her happiness and good fortune to the new bride
Something blue
Something blue symbolizes love, fidelity and purity of the bride
The bridal veil
The veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty, virginity and was used to ward off evil spirits.
The bridesmaids
These great ladies were used to confuse evil spirits. The bride's friends would dress similarly to her to confuse and fool any badness that was floating around. Today, the bridesmaids are there to support the bride through stressful times. You know, get her some wine once in a while.
Well, those are my favorite traditions and their meanings and origins. Post a comment and let us know your favorite traditions. Tell us of new traditions that you've incorporated into your own wedding.
I hope you all have had a great weekend!
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