30 Wedding Traditions & Superstitions: A Look at the Past and Present

Weddings are a joyous occasion, but they are also steeped in tradition and superstition. For centuries, couples have followed a variety of customs and beliefs to ensure a successful marriage and a happy life together. From the bride's dress to the groom's accessories, every aspect of the wedding ceremony and reception has a symbolic meaning. In this article, we will explore 30 wedding traditions and superstitions that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're planning your own wedding or simply interested in the history and meaning behind these practices, this guide will give you a fascinating insight into the world of weddings.

30 Wedding Traditions & Superstitions:

1. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue: This is perhaps the most well-known wedding tradition. The bride is supposed to wear something old (to represent the past), something new (to represent the future), something borrowed (to represent borrowed happiness), and something blue (to represent fidelity).
2. The bride should not wear her complete wedding dress before the wedding day. It is believed to bring bad luck.
3. The groom should not see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding ceremony.
4. The bride's father should walk her down the aisle. This tradition dates back to a time when a woman was considered her father's property until she was given away in marriage.
5. The wedding ring should be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This is because it was once believed that there was a vein that ran directly from that finger to the heart.
6. The groom should carry the bride over the threshold of their new home. This is said to protect the bride from evil spirits.
7. The bride should wear a veil over her face during the ceremony. This tradition dates back to ancient times when it was believed that evil spirits could enter the bride's body through her mouth.
8. The bride should not wear pearls on her wedding day. It is said to bring tears and unhappiness in the marriage.
9. The bride's bouquet should contain white flowers, which symbolize purity and innocence.
10. The bride's bouquet should also contain a sprig of myrtle, which symbolizes love and fertility.
11. The couple should light a unity candle during the ceremony. This represents the joining of two families and the creation of a new family.
12. The couple should plant a tree together after the ceremony. This symbolizes the growth and longevity of their relationship.
13. The bride and groom should not see each other on the day of the wedding until the ceremony.
14. The groom should wear something blue, which symbolizes fidelity and love.
15. The bride and groom should exchange wedding rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.
16. The bride should carry a horseshoe in her bouquet for good luck.
17. The bride should not wear a wedding dress that is green or yellow. These colors are associated with bad luck.
18. The bride should wear a garter under her wedding dress. The groom is supposed to remove it with his teeth during the reception.
19. The couple should have a first dance together as husband and wife.
20. The couple should cut the wedding cake together. The first slice should be cut by the bride, and the second slice by the groom.
21. The bride and groom should feed each other a piece of wedding cake.
22. The bride should throw her bouquet to the unmarried female guests. The woman who catches it is believed to be the next to get married. This tradition has been around for centuries and is still a popular one at weddings today.
23. The groom should throw the bride's garter to the unmarried male guests. The man who catches it is believed to be the next one to get married.
24. It is considered bad luck for the bride and groom to leave the wedding reception before all the guests have left.
25. The couple should take a wedding photo with their parents and grandparents to honor their family.
26. The bride and groom should dance with their parents during the reception.
27. The couple should open the dance floor with a special dance, such as a waltz.
28. The couple should leave the reception through a sparkler exit.
29. The bride and groom should not see each other again until the morning after the wedding.
30. The bride should wear a sixpence in her shoe for good luck.

FAQs:

Q: What is the history behind the tradition of throwing the bouquet and garter?

A: The tradition of throwing the bouquet and garter dates back to the 14th century when it was believed that owning a piece of the bride's clothing would bring good luck. Over time, the tradition evolved into throwing the items to single guests, with the belief that whoever caught them would be the next to get married.

Q: Why should the groom not see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony?

A: This tradition is based on the superstition that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. It is believed that it will bring bad luck to the couple's future life together.

Q: Why should the bride carry a horseshoe in her bouquet?

A: A horseshoe is considered a lucky symbol, and carrying one in the bridal bouquet is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the couple.

Conclusion:

Wedding traditions and superstitions have been around for centuries, and while some may seem outdated or superstitious, they continue to play an important role in modern weddings. From the bride's attire to the wedding cake, each tradition has a symbolic meaning and adds to the overall significance of the wedding day.

Whether you choose to follow these traditions or create your own, the important thing is to honor the history and meaning behind them. By doing so, you can ensure a happy and successful marriage, surrounded by the love and support of your family and friends. So, embrace these 30 wedding traditions and superstitions, and create a wedding day that is truly unforgettable.