From the colour of the bride’s dress to the words exchanged during the ceremony, every wedding detail holds a story, a symbol, or a belief.
The Influence of Superstitions on Modern Weddings
Superstitions have been a part of human culture since the dawn of civilization. They have often been used as a way to explain the unknown, and in the context of weddings, they have played a significant role in shaping traditions and customs.
The Evolution of Wedding Traditions
Wedding traditions, like any other aspect of human culture, have evolved over time. They have been influenced by societal changes, cultural shifts, and even economic factors. This shift has led to a re-evaluation of many long-standing wedding customs, such as the bride wearing white and the practice of seeing each other before the ceremony.
1. Rain On Your Wedding Day
While most couples stress over the weather forecast, the belief that rain on your wedding day is good luck is one of the most enduring superstitions associated with weddings. This superstition originated from the ancient Romans, who believed that rain on your wedding day was a sign of fertility and prosperity. The tradition has been passed down through generations and is still widely held today.
2. Wearing White
The tradition of the bride wearing white on her wedding day has its roots in the Victorian era. Queen Victoria, who was known for her fashion sense, wore a white gown to her wedding in 1840. This act set a precedent, and soon after, white became the colour of choice for brides. The Christian church soon claimed this tradition, with the colour white being seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. While a white gown remains a staple in weddings today, more and more modern brides are stepping out of this tradition and choosing alternative gowns to walk down the aisle.
3. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
The phrase “Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue” is a popular wedding tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Each item in the phrase represents a wish for the bride’s future. “Something old” is a reminder of her past, “Something new” represents her hopeful future, “Something borrowed” is a wish for happiness and good fortune, and “Something blue” symbolises love and purity. This tradition is still popular today, with many brides incorporating it into their wedding attire or bouquet.
4. Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony
Seeing your partner before the ceremony is considered bad luck. Back in the day, when arranged marriages were more common, it was believed that seeing each other before the ceremony gave your partner a chance to change their mind. In recent years, there has been a shift in the tradition of seeing each other before the ceremony. Times have changed, and many couples now choose to see each other before the ceremony, sharing a private moment together before the public display of their love and commitment.
