Wedding Traditions & Customs
When you get married you are repeating a ritual which has its origins in the ancient past. Many of today's wedding customs and traditions come from folklore, mythology and symbolism and the simple act you perform gives a great insight into what our ancestors believed. It is interesting to realise the depth of meaning that some of the following customs hold and charming to use them during your wedding.
Why do we wear wedding rings?
The wearing of wedding rings dates back to the 17th Century BC, Egypt, where rings in general had a spiritual and supernatural meaning, signifying eternal love. It was believed that there was a vein in the third finger of the left hand that led directly to the heart.
Why is it called a honeymoon?
It is thought that in ancient times, when marriages were often arranged and when sometimes women were even kidnapped to be married, that the man would take the woman to a secret place (where her relatives could not find her) for about 30 days, (a full phase of the moon). They would be married under a full moon and would drink a honeyed wine, hence the name honeymoon.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?
This saying originated in Victorian times and symbolises the bride's hopes for her new life. "Something old" is usually given to the bride by her family, signifying the family love she hopes to bring to her marriage. "Something new" is usually a new accessory that the bride wears to signify the success and wealth she hopes her and her husband will achieve. "Something borrowed" is usually lent to her by a close friend or relative and signifies the trust and friendship she hopes to bring to her new life. "Something blue" is usually a garter or ribbon as blue is the colour of fidelity and represents the bride's commitment to her marriage.
Why does the bride stand on the groom's left hand side?
The bride also walks down the left side of the church so that, (when men carried swords on their right), her father and husband could protect her from jealous suitors.
Why do we have a wedding cake?
In the Roman era, sweet cakes were thought to bring fertility, wealth and happiness. Feeding each other a piece of cake is a symbol of love, honour and respect and guests sharing in the same cake hope to share in the good fortune of the bridal couple who were believed to be lucky.
Why do bride's carry bouquets?
In ancient times the bridal bouquet was filled with special herbs to ward off evil spirits and promote fertility.
These are just a few of the many customs and traditions associated with weddings.
For more information, please contact Tracy Kingsnorth on 01844 278300 or use the contact form.
|
|
|
10.9 mph
