Timeless Traditions

Photo Credit: Wedding Bands Choice

There are so many traditions that surround a wedding.  But do we know why we do these things?  Let’s look at a few of those popular traditions and their humble beginnings.

It all starts with the engagement.  The ring symbolizes a never-ending circle of love.  It is typically worn on the left hand fourth finger.  This “ring” finger was long thought to have a vein that ran directly to the heart. 

We have all heard the famous saying: “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.”  These are all things the bride should have on her wedding. But what exactly does it mean?

“Something old” represents the bride’s ties to her family. “Something new” symbolizes a new life to come with her husband. “Something borrowed” comes from someone in a successful marriage to pass on the good luck. And lastly, “something blue” is said to bestow faithfulness and loyalty on the married couple.

The bridal bouquet is an essential part of the brides look. But it also has roots that date way back.  In ancient times, flowers or herbs were believed to signify new beginnings, hope and fertility. They were also believed to ward off bad omens. In Victorian times specific flowers were chosen for their meaning.  Modern day brides generally choose flowers for their color, shape and fragrance, or that represent her personal style.

Wedding cakes were originally made of wheat to symbolize prosperity.  These simple cakes have now been replaced by extravagant and gorgeous tiered creations.  The color of the cake is still typically white, symbolizing purity.  The act of cutting the cake together is meant to symbolize the first joint task in the couples newly married life.  Feeding the cake to one another is a symbol of the commitment they are making to nourish their relationship.

Throwing rice is a long-standing tradition at weddings.  It is representational of rain, which is said to be a sign of prosperity and good fortune.  More recently, rice has been replaced by bubbles or sparklers due to the mess rice can leave behind.