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Wedding Traditions Uncovered
When many young girls fantasize about their future wedding day, they often imagine themselves acting out the age-old traditions they’ve seen at other weddings: the first dance, the tossing of the bouquet, feeding their new husband the first bite of cake. There’s no denying these rituals bring up warm feelings and make perfect photo opportunities, but have you ever wondered about the history behind these traditions? Read on for some wedding trivia that will make great conversation starters at your next cocktail party!
The Wedding Veil
There are several theories about the origination of the bridal veil and different cultures pass down different stories related to the familiar head covering. One possibility is that it comes from the time when a man would capture his bride by throwing a blanket over the head of his chosen woman. Back in the times when marriages were arranged, it was said that that the veil served to conceal the bride’s face during the ceremony so that the groom wouldn’t disappear if she wasn’t to his liking.
Wedding Attendants
It is said that the tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen comes from an old Roman law that ensured that ten individuals witness every wedding ceremony. The witnesses used to dress in clothes similar to the bride and groom, tricking any evil spirits who may be present about who was actually getting married. Their jobs have lightened considerably in recent years - planning bachelor/bachelorette parties is much more fun than defending against evil!
The White Wedding Gown
Everyone knows that white is intended to represent the purity of the bride, but long ago it was also meant as defense against evil spirits!
Flowers
Depending on the particular bloom, flowers can have different meaning. However, it is said that flowers should be featured in the wedding ceremony as a symbol of rebirth, fertility and everlasting love.
The Ring Finger
Ancient Greeks thought that the third finger was closest to the heart, connected by a vein between the two.
The Kiss
Romans believed that a kiss was a legal bond that sealed the contract between bride and groom. Thus, the sweet ending to all wedding ceremonies was born!
Bouquet Toss
This used to be a way for a bride to pass along her good luck to those around her - today that translates into single friends and relatives! There are even some tales of overzealous guests who would rip at the bride’s clothing in hopes that some of her good fortune would rub off. Many brides threw their bouquets out as a way to distract the crowd.
Throwing Rice
Attendants would throw rice at the departing couple, wishing them fertility and a “full pantry.” Today many weddings end with the throwing of flower petals or confetti as rice has been to found to pose a danger to birds.
Groom Carrying Bride over the Threshold
It was said that a new bride should always enter the home before the groom, and if she stumbled or tripped it was viewed as a bad omen. The groom carries the bride into the home to avoid courting bad luck!
