Almost every bride knows the charming old rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – and a sixpence in her shoe.” The tradition is so widely embraced that it feels like a natural part of wedding culture. But beneath its sweetness lies a fascinating story of symbolism, superstition, and the timeless desire to bring good fortune into a marriage. 

The Victorian Origin Story

The rhyme as we know it first appeared in writing in Victorian-era England in the late 1800s. During this time, weddings were deeply rooted in symbolism. It wasn’t enough to simply marry for love; brides and their families believed strongly in protecting the marriage from bad luck and particularly from the threat of infertility, once attributed to the “evil eye.” 

Each item in the rhyme acted as a protective charm, weaving together blessings from the past, present, and future. Victorians adored sentimental gestures, and this tradition allowed families to pass down meaningful heirlooms and hopes through generations. 

The final line about the sixpence, though often forgotten today, originally represented future financial security, a vital wish when marriage often determined a couple’s livelihood. 

Something Old: A Bridge to Her Roots

“Something old” symbolises the bride's continuity, a reminder that, even as she steps into a new life partnership, she remains connected to her roots. This idea goes back to the Middle Ages, when brides wore heirloom pieces to honour their ancestors and carry their family’s legacy into marriage.  

A grandmother's brooch, lace from a mother’s gown, or a bracelet all serve to reassure the bride that she is supported by the love and wisdom of those before her. 

Something New: A Fresh Chapter Ahead

“Something new” celebrates the hope and optimism that surround a marriage. It reflects the shared dreams a couple is about to build—a home, a family, a future full of possibility. 

This part of the rhyme became even more natural to fulfil after Queen Victoria popularised white wedding gowns in 1840. A new dress symbolised the new life a bride was stepping into, full of beginnings and promise. 

Something Borrowed: A Gift From Happiness

“Something borrowed” must traditionally come from a happily married friend or relative. The belief was that good fortune and marital success could be passed along through the shared item. It wasn’t the object that mattered, but the blessings attached to the person who owned it. 

It also symbolised a bride’s community of support. Marriage was not meant to be a step into isolation; rather, it was a celebration of unity, and borrowed love ensured she never walked alone. 

Something Blue: Loyalty, Devotion, and Protection

The colour blue has represented love, fidelity, and purity for thousands of years. In ancient Rome and throughout early Christian wedding traditions, brides wore blue to signify loyalty and protection from misfortune. 

Even older folklore suggested blue stones could defend against the evil eye, making the colour not just symbolic but also a spiritual safeguard. When white dresses became the fashion, the touch of blue remained, now beautifully tucked into garters, jewellery, embroidery, or a satin ribbon sewn into a gown’s lining 

A Sixpence in Her Shoe: A Wish for Prosperity

The original rhyme ends with “…and a sixpence in her shoe.” This small silver coin was placed inside the bride’s left shoe to encourage wealth and wise money management, essential qualities in households of the past. 

Some families even passed down the same sixpence through generations, adding another layer of continuity and tradition. 

A Tradition That Connects Time, Love and Family

Today, brides embrace the rhyme not because they fear bad luck, but because it offers a beautiful way to honour the journey that led them to the altar: the family that raised them, the friends who stood by them, and the partner they now choose for forever. 

The secret to its lasting charm is simple: it lets each bride write her own story within a tradition shared across hundreds of years. Every item becomes personal and heartfelt, a little thread tying love’s past and future together on the day two lives become one.