Weddings are full of traditions, many of them with a history of superstition. Here are some of our favorites:
Candle lighting. In some Christian faiths, the bride and groom each hold a lighted candle and together light a third, known as the “unity candle”. It is a solemn ceremony symbolizing the joining of two souls to make one. If candles spurt or go out, evil spirits are supposed to be near, ready to cause mischief.
Kiss. In ancient times, Roman agreements were sealed with a kiss. A bride and groom are thought to exchange souls during their kiss in many of today’s cultural traditions. Once the kiss is performed, the marriage contract is said to be binding.
The toast. It’s called a “toast” because the French used to place a piece of bread in the bottom of a wine goblet, to impart flavor. Each celebrant drank and passed the goblet to the next hardy soul. The person for whom the toast was given would drink the goblet dry while slurping up the toast.
Garter toss. In the 14th century, it was customary for the Groom to remove the Bride’s garter and throw it toward the single men in attendance. Legend said that whoever caught the garter would be next to marry. At the often-rowdy party following the wedding, a few drunk and impatient men would occasionally try to remove the Bride’s garter before the Groom had his opportunity. This ritual is being replaced by gentler, more modern affairs.
Wedding ring. The unending circle of a ring was thought to symbolize eternity; a wedding ring held the hope that love would last forever. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans believed that a vein in the third finger travels straight to the heart. Medieval Christian grooms were said to place the ring part-way on the thumb, then index finger, then middle finger of the bride while saying the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. The next finger was the “ring” finger — and the groom left it there, presumably while saying, “I do.” It is considered bad luck to remove your wedding ring, but you can right your luck by having your spouse put it on your finger for you. The rings have historically been blessed by the clergy to ward off the devil.
White gown. Until the late 19th century, American brides wore formal dresses during their weddings. Black was the color of choice. Queen Victoria popularized the wearing of white gowns in England, when she broke cultural norms and donned one at her wedding. At that time, white outfits were reserved for funerals and grieving. (They still are for Eastern cultures.) Some fashion historians say white represents purity and virginity but, by all accounts, wearing white first symbolized unabashed joy. Americans fell in love with white bridal gowns sometime during the early to mid 20th century. According to English lore, finding a spider in your gown is good luck.
Bride’s veil. At least three reasons are given for why brides wear veils during the wedding ceremony. Superstition led some to believe a veil would protect a bride from evil spirits. It’s also thought that brides wore veils to hide their faces from grooms during arranged unions. Today, the veil symbolizes a bride’s modesty.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Wearing something old, usually given to the bride by a relative married for many years, was thought to guarantee a lifelong marriage. The “new” represented the beginning of married life. A borrowed item imparted the happiness of the giver to the wearer. The bride showed her modesty by wearing something blue.
Flowers. Flowers and herbs were important features in the pagan ceremonies which joined men and women long ago. Each variety, herb and color had its own significance. We further the tradition today when the bride carries a bouquet down the aisle or decorates the wedding and reception areas with floral arrangements. Tossing the bouquet is a way to spread luck as the lucky girl to catch it was the next to be married.
Cake. In ancient times, the breaking of cake, like the breaking of bread, was seen as a fertility rite when performed during a joining ceremony. The practice of layering several cakes, one on top of the other, just to the tipping point, began much later. The bride and groom were expected to attempt a kiss above the precariously-perched cake. Their success in kissing without toppling the layers would result in a lifetime of good fortune.
A few more superstitions:
- It’s bad luck to trip over the entry to your new home, so the groom began carrying his bride over the threshold.
- Weddings that take place at the bottom of the hour are considered good luck as the hands of the clock are on an upward sweep.
- A bride should leave her home through the front door, exiting with her right foot to set a path of luck. Put your best foot forward!
- A bride that cries on her wedding day is supposed to have shed her last tears so it is considered to be lucky.
- The couple could not see each other for fear the groom would reject the bride during an arranged marriage. This superstition carries on today despite few arranged marriages.
- Bridesmaids wear identical dresses in an effort to confuse evil spirits that would attack the bride.
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