Wedding Superstitions

How does that saying go? "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and silver sixpence in her shoe." It is a credo believed to carry good luck dating back to the Victorian era and many folks, brides especially, try to arrange their wedding attire accordingly.

* Something old: Something old represents the link with the bride's family and many brides choose to wear a piece of antique family jewelry, her mother's or grandmother's wedding gown.

* Something new: This is to symbolize good fortune and success for the future of the couple. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item.

* Something borrowed: Something borrowed is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object means something such as a lace handkerchief.

* Something blue: The color blue is meant here to symbolize the loyalty and fidelity of the couple. Often the item is the garter.

* Silver sixpence in her shoe: A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe is to wish the bride wealth. But frankly, if you are willing to go through your entire wedding with a coin in your shoe, well that's just crazy :)

The bride's bouquet at its inception formed part of the wreaths worn by both the bride and groom. It was a symbol of happiness. Today the practice of tossing the bouquet is an off shoot of throwing the garter. Single women compete to catch the bride's bouquet because according to superstition the one to make the catch will be married next.

The wedding tradition of throwing the garter began in France when pieces of the bride were considered lucky. The bride would throw the garter to those attending the wedding and whoever caught it could expect good luck. In some states, the groom traditionally removes the garter from the bride and throws it to the unmarried men. The man who catches it is thought to be the next to marry. As the wedding ceremony progress, the excitement level of all increases.

* Catching the garter: Men compete to catch the brides garter as the groom tosses it up in the air.

* Garter game: At some weddings the man who catches the garter places it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet or they have the next dance.

These superstitious wedding games have become part of the wedding tradition today. It is believed that by participating you are bestowing upon the couple good fortune.

A century ago, wedding superstitions were even more deeply rooted.

* Marrying a man whose surname began with the same letter was thought to be unlucky.

* Marrying on Friday the 13th cursed your wedding from the start.

* Brides who choose to be married in December were thought to be the wisest woman because she surely would be marrying her true love.

The desire for a marriage to last is strong, and consequently weddings are particularly vulnerable to superstitious beliefs that can supposedly affect it. My thoughts? Try not to take any of them seriously, there are so many superstitions to follow it can drive you crazy! And of course there's the whole "superstition" aspect. You do know that it's all made-up, right? That it's not going to have any bearing on your marriage or wedding day at all, right? Good. I've got to go get the penny out of my shoe now. Good luck!