Many
of our rituals derive from Anglo-Saxon England during the 1800s. A particularly
cryptic rhyme that all brides have hearkened is “Something old, something new,
something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.” To truly reveal
this mysterious rhyme we must venture inside English folklore. These common
objects, when compiled, become an enchanted charm in this clever rhyme. The
cocktail of objects promises to ward off evil and ensure fertility and
prosperity for the newlyweds. “Something old” is a sentimental article from a
family member or close friend, which represents the bride’s past and where she
is from. “Something new” is a token of the future and signifies the bride’s new
chapter in life. “Something borrowed” is a relic from a woman who has been blessed
with children and a lasting marriage. “Something blue” symbolizes purity and fidelity.
And “a sixpence in her shoe” is a wish for good fortune and prosperity for the
couple.
The bouquet toss served
as a necessary distraction for the bride’s stealthy departure. Apparently
guests would gather around the newlywed woman and rip pieces off of her gown
and her flowers as souvenirs of good luck for themselves. Thankfully, someone
thought of tossing the bouquet to appease the enthusiastic crowd. The bouquet
toss lives on today and whoever catches it will allegedly be next in line to
marry.
A
father “giving away” his daughter is a lovely gesture of blessings upon a
marriage. It’s beginning, however, is far less heartwarming. The custom dates
back to antiquated days when women were considered property of their fathers,
and subsequently, their husbands. It was basically a lovely business
transaction.
The
bridal party began as an entourage of woman who trussed up like the bride in
order to dupe evil spirits or confuse any malevolent beings that could be prowling
about. These women offer a different kind of support and distraction for the
bride in present day. Thank goodness!
Groomsmen
were equally important in protecting the bride, but their role was necessary
for physical threats. A man’s stoutest and most loyal friend, his “best man”
would escort the groom to the alter in efforts to defend him and his bride from
any protesting relatives. This was a crucial role because the bride’s family could
resist the marriage and may even put up a fight. The groomsmen were basically
an entourage of support for the groom, complete with swords. Today their role,
like bridesmaids, is more of an emotional one.
The ring is a symbol of everlasting love and eternal
fidelity, hence its never-ending shape. The ritual was born during Roman
times and its place on the third finger of the left hand is vital because—as the
Romans believed—the vein in that particular finger connects directly to the
heart. How romantic!
The
veil is the simplest to explain—it is a symbol of purity, modesty, and
virginity. It was also considered to ward off evil.
The
cake—the most delicious of traditions—became a tiered construction by way of
attendee’s ingenuity. Guests would bring single layer cakes to the celebration
and stack them one on top of the other, thus creating a tiered effect, which
was something to behold.
Flowers
and decorations had both practical and aesthetic purposes. They were not only
signs of celebration and fertility, the floral perfume would often refresh a
room full of observers who did not have the means or resources to bathe every
day. Today they are fabulous arrangements and expressions of splendor…especially
if created at TWE!
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