Something Borrowed, Something Blue and other Wedding Traditions

Articles on Weddings | Topics: weddings, wedding

by Petra Lara

Was there ever a time when you stopped and thought about what a wedding would have been many years ago? Do you ever wonder if they are in any way like they are now? There are certain sayings and traditions that have come from the past, and just seemed to stick. The history and roots of the traditional wedding is steeped in history. The marriages of the past have paved the way for weddings of today.

The weddings of the past were merely for survival of a name and procreation. Today worrying about a tribe, and the future of it, is not the reason of marriage. It is out of love that bonds man and woman in holy matrimony. Many traditions have indeed carried over from the past and are incorporated into the ceremony and the following reception. From the white gown and flowing veil and train, all the way down to the timeless saying, "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue".

This saying dates back to the Victorian era, and was believed to be good luck for the bride whenever she used this old superstition in her wedding. The bride linked to her past, such using perhaps her mothers wedding gown or veil. It was worn as a tribute, hence, something old. New shoes or a new string of pearls can be used to represent something new. This primarily was used to give success and good fortune to the bride. When the bride wears a token of friendship lent by someone close, it symbolizes something borrowed. Wearing a blue ribbon or garter, is believed throughout time to be related to loyalty and faithfulness, and finally this is where the something blue can about.

Historical Quote

The wedding was a quiet affair, and when called upon to enjoy my promotion from lodger to lover did I experience only bitterness and distaste? No.

—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

There is sometimes an additional saying to this tradition and it involves placing a silver coin in the shoe of the bride. This is meant to incite wealth on her. It was usually a Sixpence. However, today they are not easy to find, so any silver coin will do. The wedding traditions of today are directly related to tradition that was forged many years ago. It was generally around the fifteen to sixteen hundreds that started most of the traditions that we know of today. It is believed the Celts in old Ireland started the tradition of a white wedding gown and veil. The timeless tradition of tossing the bouquet backwards to the waiting hands of many single women at the wedding is believed to be from that time, as well. As with most things in life, history has shaped what is known today. Wedding traditions are no exception to that rule. Many cultures have their own unique and interesting wedding traditions and they have seemed to withstand the tests of time, not unlike our own. One example of a wedding tradition still used. is with the Jewish or Hebrew faith, where a glass is broken once the new couple has been pronounced man and wife. Some tribes in Africa, still hand over livestock and food items to the bride's family.

The reception has been noted to be a tradition that has dated back many centuries, as well. One could easily assume that this tradition is not going anywhere, any time soon. The premise of the wedding reception has not strayed from its original root very much. It was a party or celebration for the new couple to start their new life together on the right foot, as well a showing of appreciation for the bond that they have embarked on. The pledge of marriage is the single most honorable pledge that is made in a lifetime. This in itself is a timeless tradition that is generally done before friends and family. It is said the wedding pledge is the most sublime, yet the most basic pledge in this day and age. The Greeks used the term "wed", which means, "pledge". No matter where the pledge is performed or under which religion or culture to wed, or marry is and always will be a pledge. In reality there are very few things in life these days that carry with them the embodiment of tradition, weddings will always be something that has one form or another of tradition attached to it.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Something Borrowed, Something Blue and other Wedding Traditions" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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