Have you ever wondered why certain things are almost always done at weddings?
For example, why the bride carries a bouquet or wears a veil?
Or why guests throw rice or rose petals over the newlyweds?
Here is, the origin and symbolism of some of the most popular wedding traditions
Bridal bouquets have evolved through the ages. Saracen brides carried bouquets of orange blossoms to symbolize fertility, and Roman brides carried sheaves of wheat to symbolize prosperity for their husbands. In the eighteenth century, the practice of carrying a bouquet of flowers or herbs became a popular tradition which symbolized fragility, purity, and new life. Bouquets of dill were among the most popular herb carried. After the ceremony the dill was eaten to “provoke lust.” Also it was a Roman custom to light the first fire of the couple’s house with a torch, which was then tossed out to be caught by one of the wedding party. In the fourteenth century, the French substituted the bouquet for the torch and thus began the legend that whoever among the bride’s attendants caught the blossoms would be the next to marry. Over the years, certain flowers have been selected as “flowers of the month,” as shown below:
Month Flower:
January: Carnation
February: Violet or Sweetheart Rose
March: Jonquil or Daffodil
April: Daisy or Sweet Pea
May: Lily of the Valley
June: Rose
July: Cornflower
August: Gladiolus
September: Aster
October: Calendula
November: Chrysanthemum
December: Poinsettia or Narcissus
The Bridal gown:are traditionally white because the ancient Greeks and Romans believed white was a symbol of purity, innocence, and joy. Recently, the white or ivory bridal dress has evolved as a symbol of the celebration of the ceremony itself. Lace, considered a work of art in Europe, was often used for festive celebrations and important occasions and has remained a popular grown ornamentation.
The veil:
represents modesty and respect. It symbolizes the sanctity and exclusiveness of the marriage covenant and reminds the couple and the witnesses that the physical relationship is to be entered into only after the vows are completed.
Rice and Petals:
In the Middle Ages, Handfuls of wheat were thrown over married couples to symbolize the hope for fertility. In modern times, rice is thrown instead of wheat to symbolize fertility. In recent years, flower petals have become another alternative, symbolizing beauty, happiness and prosperity.
Something Old, Something New...
The popular wedding phrase, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a lucky sixpence for our shoe,” has several different meanings. Each of these items is worn or carried by the bride to symbolize something special. “Something old” and something borrowed” are items which represent security and friendship and are given to the bride by a loved one to bring happiness to the new marriage. “Something new” (often the wedding gown) represents the bride’s acceptance of a new life. The origin of something blue can be traced to the rhyme, “those who dress in blue are lover true.” A “lucky sixpence” (usually a penny today) worn in the shoe or carried by the bride is a very old tradition thought to insure future wealth and good fortune for the newly wedded couple.
