WEDDING TRADITIONS AND SYMBOLS
Over the ages many different types of wedding traditions have evolved. Here is a list of some wedding traditions and symbolic items for Your Wedding Day
Bride Signing Her Married Name Before the Wedding
If a bride signs her married name before she is actually married it is considered bad luck for the bride and it is said by doing so will tempt the fate of the union.
Bride Should Not Make Her Own Dress
If you are thinking of making your own dress consider this tradition – that for every stitch the bride makes to her own dress she will shed one tear during the marriage. So, put down that needle and thread.
The Wedding Veil
This is an old tradition that has a few meanings. One is that the Veil will hide the bride's face from the groom until he has fully committed to the marriage. Another is that the Veil hides the bride's beauty and wards off evil spirits.
Bride Always Stands on the Groom's Left
Tradition is that the Bride should always stand to the left of the Groom so that the Groom has his sword arm free to fight off any other suitors.
This would be something to see today !!
Throwing of the Wedding Bouquet
The thowing of the wedding bouquet is an American tradition. It is said that whoever catches the wedding bouquet will be the next bride.
Pearls Worn by the Bride
There are two opposite traditions regarding pearls. One says that pearls represent future tears and are a bad sign and should not be worn. Another says that pearls take the place of the bride's real tears and should be worn so she will have a happy tear free life. You can take you pick here.
Time of the Day to Get Married
It is said that couples should exchange vows when the minute hand is pointing upwards and is “ascending toward heaven”. This is for a blessing to the couple.
Seeing the Bride Before the Wedding
Seeing the Bride before the wedding has a couple of different traditions. One says that it is good luck to for the groom to not see the dress before the wedding. And it is even better luck for the groom to not look at the dress, but rather the bride, as she comes down the aisle.
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
Tradition says that if the groom carries the bride over the threshold of their new home that it will protect her from evil spirits that may be lurking.
Glass Breaking At Traditional Jewish Ceremonies
At a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony a glass is broken at the end of the ceremony. This is a symbolic act that the bride and groom, and everyone else for that matter, are to consider the marriage vows as permanent and as final as the breaking of the glass and this is unchangable. A second symbol the breaking glass is that of the fragility of marriage and that at times a marriage can be damaged by a single thoughtless act, infidility or other acts that can damage a marriage and make it 'irrepairable', such as the broken glass.
Jumping Over The Broom
Jumping Over the Broom is a tradition that dates back to early American slavery culture when slaves were not allowed to formally marry. Today African-American couples pay tribute to this heritage by jumping over a broom which symbolizes their 'jump' into their marriage with the public declaration.
THESE TRADITIONS BELOW ARE THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR WEDDING DAY
Ivy
Symbolizes fidelity and is traditionally used in bridal bouquets
Orange Blossoms
Using Orange Blossoms is one of the oldest wedding traditions. It is thought that the orange tree is symbolic of abundance. The orange tree is one of the few trees that bears both its fruit and flower at the same time. By carrying orange blossoms it is said that the blessings of abundance and all things beautiful and nurturing will be passed along to the couple (and they smell great).
Wedding Cake
Your Wedding Cake is traditionally a symbol of fertility
A Silver Sixpence in the Bride's Shoe
An old tradition that represents financial success and happiness for the bride.
Something Old
Represents the bride's link to her family and past
Something New
Represents good fortune and much success for the future
Something Borrowed
Represents a reminder that friends and family will always be there for the bride
Something Blue
Represents a faithfulness and loyalty. Carrying something Blue dates back to biblical times when Blue represented purity.
