Often it’s not until we’re actually in the throes of organising a wedding that we really think about some of those wedding traditions that we might feel we just have to take part in. Would it really be weird to not wear white? Do the bridesmaids dresses really have to match? Should I wear a veil? But, where did these traditions even come from? We take a look at the surprising origins of some of the best known and most loved wedding traditions
Weddings have long been shrouded in tradition, far before they were an event centred on love.
Subsequently, a rich tapestry of rituals has transcended generations, and while many remain beloved, others have been left in the past.
We have unveiled some of the most enduring and cherished wedding practices and why they exist to this day.
The ring finger
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming wedding traditions is the act of placing the wedding ring on one’s left hand on the fourth finger.
The ancient practice was popularised by the Romans, who believed the “vena amoris,” or the “vein of love,” directly connected the finger to the heart.
As lovely as the sentiment is, it was later discovered there is no such vein.
Despite being debunked, the ritual remains an enduring part of wedding ceremonies throughout the world.
“Historically, wedding rings have been documented to be worn on every finger, even the thumb,” jewellery expert Stephanie Selle told Bride.
“Today, wedding rings are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, but some countries, including India, Germany, Spain, Norway, and Russia, traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand.”
Bridesmaids dresses
Matching bridesmaids’ dresses have a somewhat sinister origin.
While they weren’t created as a never-ending stream of money, like diamond engagement rings, the custom is rooted in protection.
A centuries-old practice, matching bridesmaids’ dresses began in ancient Roman times, just like the invention of bridal parties.
Unlike what we see in modern weddings, bridesmaids’ dresses were originally made to look nearly identical to the bride’s.
Essentially creating a number of decoy brides, this tradition was introduced to ward off evil spirits or any rogue and jealous exes who could crash the event.
Bridal flowers
Similar to bridesmaid dresses, bridal flowers were also used in ancient times to ward off any evil spirits and protect the marriage from lousy luck.
Initially, they were combined with spices and herbs to be worn around the bride’s head.
Nowadays, bridal flowers have evolved into bouquets that symbolise fertility and new beginnings, including a new tradition.
In Western wedding culture, the bride’s bouquet is tossed into a crowd of singles with the idea that the fateful guest who catches the bouquet will marry next.
The floral toss originated from the belief that brides were fortunate, so much so that guests would often tear pieces of the bride’s dress to attain some of her good luck.
Instead of damaging the cherished gowns, brides began tossing their bouquets into the swarming crowds as a way to share their luck and escape with their dresses intact.
The wedding veil
As romantic and dreamy as a wedding veil is in modern times, the practice originally took blind dates to a new level.
Back in times when arranged marriages were the norm, veils were a very versatile and practical addition to the bride’s ensemble.
While they offered a bride-to-be protection, they also helped avoid any runaway grooms who hadn’t laid eyes on their future wife until arriving at the altar.
If a groom was unimpressed with his fiance’s looks, he wouldn’t know about it until they were tied in holy matrimony, only then would the veil be removed.
Tying the knot
Before ‘tying the knot’ became a passing phrase to describe a wedding, it was a serious part of the ceremony.
Stemming back to ancient times within various cultures, the hands of the bride and groom used to be tied together as a symbol of their commitment and undying love.
This practice, also known as ‘handfastening,’ appeared in Egyptian, Celtic and Hindu weddings to display the couple’s unity.
Something old, new, borrowed and blue
As a token of fortune, the Victorian rhythm suggests the various items a bride should have with her on her special day for good luck.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a [silver] sixpence in her shoe” quickly became a significant part of wedding traditions.
Bringing something old symbolises continuity, while something new conveys optimism for the future.
Heartwarmingly, something borrowed represents borrowing happiness, as something blue suggests purity and love.
The discontinuation of sixpences meant that the end of the famed rhythm was dropped while the rest endured.
Wedding cake
In ancient Rome, wedding cakes first appeared as a loaf of bread, which would be ceremoniously broken atop a bride’s head to symbolise fertility, and guests would gather crumbs as a token of good fortune.
The tradition evolved throughout centuries to become the tiered cakes you’ll find shared among guests at most weddings today.
Despite marriage existing in various forms for thousands of years, love continues to change how it takes place.
While ceremonies today are shaped by love, historically, marriage represented an economic arrangement, status and social standing.
As romance and modernity continue to reshape weddings, these traditions will undoubtedly continue to change.
This article was reproduced with permission from 9Honey. To read the original article, click here.
