This quote highlights several items that the bride is expected to have on her wedding day, as she walks down the aisle. They are used as a symbol of luck for the happy couple and have different meanings/connotations:
Something old – represents continuity
Something new – symbolic of the future
Something borrowed – denotes happiness
Something blue – faithfulness and fidelity
Silver sixpence/penny – usually placed in the sole of the bride’s shoe; used to wish wealth upon the couple.
However, the “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” are not the only old fashioned wedding traditions that existed and still currently exist at weddings in most cultures worldwide:
- Cans on cars – decorating the limousine or car transporting the bride and the groom with cans, streamers and painted messages such as “Just Married”.
- Bouquets for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom and not just the bride.
- A pre-wedding toast among the wedding party, usually with sherry.
- Throwing the garter – groom removes the garter from his bride and throws it at the single men present. It is supposed to indicate “next in line to be married”.
- Catching the bouquet – similar to the above. The bride throws her bouquet at the single ladies present. Carries the same connotation as the throwing of the garter.
- Smashing cake into each other’s faces – as the name implies. This usually happens after or during the cutting of the wedding cake.
- Throwing rice – rice is tossed at the bride and groom as they walk down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. Rice was used to symbolize fertility.
- Reception goodies – slices of wedding cake are given to guests as a “thank you” as they leave the reception.
- The use of the traditional wedding veil to cover the bride’s face.
- Saving the top tier of the wedding cake – it is usually wrapped and frozen until the couple’s first anniversary and on this day, it is eaten to celebrate the anniversary.
- The white wedding dress – white is usually the colour of choice for most brides on their big day.
- The unity candle – when this is lit by the couple, it symbolizes two lives coming together as one. When lit by a family member, it symbolizes two families coming together as one, as well as unity in the couple’s marriage.
- Jumping the broom – done to symbolize the commitment of the new couple to each other.
- Breaking of glass – the groom crushes a wine glass under his heel. This is usually observed at Jewish weddings.
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