You’ve attended your fair share of white weddings but have you ever wondered about the beliefs and superstitions that lie behind each wedding tradition that we often take for granted. For instance, did you know that brides in England once used to carry bouquets of garlic and herbs while walking down the aisle and that’s the story behind the modern day bridal bouquet? We take a look at a few much loved wedding traditions from different cultures that have stood the test of time and which are still very popular…
Sugared Almonds
This tradition originated in Italy where sugared almonds were given to guests as wedding favours. Although white is usually the preferred colour, it’s not unusual for couples to opt for colourful sugar coated almonds as a thank you gesture as well as they’re hugely symbolic. They’re always gifted as an odd number with 5 being the favourite. The digit 5 is indivisible mathematically so it symbolises a strong unbreakable bond between the new bride and groom as well as health, happiness, wealth, fertility and long life.
Bridal Veil
The idea behind keeping the bride’s face covered was to ensure that she was protected from the spell of evil spirits. So, when did the wedding veil actually become such an important focus of a bride’s attire? We have Victorian England to thank for that and in particular, Queen Victoria herself. By this time, the length, fabric used and quality of a bridal veil was a sign of a bride’s status in society. Brides from the poorer sections of society often made do without a veil whereas brides from richer families wore veils that were the talk of the town.
Mehendi
The practice of applying mehendi is believed to have originated in India although this custom is also followed in the Middle East. Mehendi (or Henna as it is also known) is often painted on the hands of Indian Hindu brides a few days before the wedding ceremony. In fact, it’s not unusual for young brides to host a mehendi party for close friends and family where mehendi artists are specially called to draw intricate geometrical designs on the bride-to-be’s hands. It usually lasts for up to a month and the best designs are always saved for the bride.
Pulling The Cake
In most cultures, the bridal bouquet is tossed at the end of the ceremony and it’s believed that the person who grabs it is the next lucky girl to get married. In Peru, however, wedded couples do it differently – embedded in the wedding cake are all kinds of little charms that are attached to ribbons. Before the cake is actually cut, the guests tug at the ribbons and the one who gets the ribbon with a fake wedding ring attached to it is the said to be the next in line to get married.
Tying the Knot
To ‘tie the knot’ means to get married, but did you ever think about where this phrase originated from? We have the Irish to thank for that as ‘tying the knot’ or handfasting as it is known is an old Celtic tradition that some couples include in their wedding ceremonies. It dates back to the pre-Christian era and involves the bride and groom holding hands together as a coloured ribbon or rope is wound around their hands as a symbol of their union.
Images Courtesy: www.bettybhandari.com | idotags via etsy.com | The Chic Buzz via www.bridebox.com | The Wong Couple Photographers | www.oldcigarwarehouse.wordpress.com | www.sacredweddingvows.com
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Interesting to read these beautiful wedding traditions