Many traditions are related to marriage, some may seem vieillotes, others are still relevant, but in all cases, little is known of the true meaning of these customs that sometimes follows more superstition than belief. Here are some explanations that will help you understand the true meaning of these traditions.
Something old, something new, something blue, something borrowed
It is tradition that the bride has four components with the following characteristics:
An old element: it characterizes the family relationship and the past of the bride who is ready to start a "new life."
A new element: it represents the new life that awaits the young girl, full of success.
A blue element is the symbol of purity and fidelity in marriage.
A borrowed element it represents happiness and the chance given to grooms through borrowed from a loved one filled with his own love object.
Engagement ring and wedding
The engagement ring is worn on the left ring finger until the wedding day where it passes the right ring to make way for the alliance. An Egyptian legend tells that this finger was chosen as one reads the vein directly to the heart, the vena amoris.
The bride left the groom
Today, traditionally, the woman stands to the left of his companion at the time of the wedding ceremony. Yet times have changed and when you know where this tradition comes, we can say that it is not too helpful in our time.
This custom dates back to the time when men kidnap their wives. Most are right-handed, they put a woman on their left to keep a free hand in order to use the sword against potential suitors.
The white dress
The whiteness of the dress represents the virginity and purity of the woman who is getting married. Today it is very common to see the white replaced by ivory colors, pastels, mother but also more vibrant colors such as red or blue.
Throwing rice
Throwing rice comes from a pagan ritual where guests throwing seeds on the newlyweds as a symbol of fertility. Over time the seeds were replaced by rice, confetti or even rose petals.
Throw the bridal bouquet
At the end of the day, the bride back to the guests, tossing bouquet to single women. The catch is that supposedly the next to marry.
Opening of the ball
Married traditionally open the ball on a waltz, although nowadays, other music are commonly used. During this song, the groom also dance with her stepmother and her mother, while the bride dances with her stepfather and his father.
In the second piece, all guests are invited to join the dance....
Married traditionally open the ball on a waltz, although nowadays, other music are commonly used. During this song, the groom also dance with her stepmother and her mother, while the bride dances with her stepfather and his father.
In the second piece, all guests are invited to join the dance....
the Garter
The Garter is the symbol of mystery and virginity. White and blue represent love, loyalty and purity. This is why many women use these colors. The sale of the garter for the wedding party to married to collect some money. Before practicing this tradition, make sure it is well seen by your guests and it is not likely to offend. It is customary to hold a formal auction of the Garter. The highest bidder receives the right to remove the garter of the bride, with hands or teeth.
The Garter is the symbol of mystery and virginity. White and blue represent love, loyalty and purity. This is why many women use these colors. The sale of the garter for the wedding party to married to collect some money. Before practicing this tradition, make sure it is well seen by your guests and it is not likely to offend. It is customary to hold a formal auction of the Garter. The highest bidder receives the right to remove the garter of the bride, with hands or teeth.
Crossing the threshold
This tradition is for the groom to carry his bride in his arms crossed for the first time as husband and wife on the doorstep of their home. Several explanations are given for this custom, such as protection against evil spirits that wait on the doorstep. Another comes from the Roman era. It was indeed considered bad omens for the wedding the young woman stumbles on the doorstep. And his wife in his arms, her husband was supposed to protect them from this evil.
This tradition is for the groom to carry his bride in his arms crossed for the first time as husband and wife on the doorstep of their home. Several explanations are given for this custom, such as protection against evil spirits that wait on the doorstep. Another comes from the Roman era. It was indeed considered bad omens for the wedding the young woman stumbles on the doorstep. And his wife in his arms, her husband was supposed to protect them from this evil.
