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Shower Sixpence

Wedding Folklore

In Medieval Times the groom would kidnap the bride and stand to the left of the officient to have his right sword hand free should anyone show up to claim back the bride.
The groom might need the help of his friends during the ceremony.  This is where the "bridesmen" or "brides knights" would come into play.  They would help assure the bride got to the church and then after to the groom's house.  The "best man" would provide an extra sword if the groom needed it.

In Medieval Times marriage was not the union of two lovers but instead it was to gain property, money and lineage.

Wedding Dress~
The first known white gown was worn in 1499 by Anne of Brittany in her wedding to Louis XII of France.

In China and Japan women wore white as tradition.  White being the color of mouring as the bride was leaving her family and was thought to be a death of sorts.

A green gown has said to be avoided as it is thought to be unlucky.  A woman who had a green gown was considered having loose morals because her dress would be grass stained from "rolling" around in the fields.

A bride should never make her own gown.  The last stitch shouldn't be completed until leaving the church.  She should never try on the entire outfit before the wedding day.  She shouldn't count her chickens before they are hatched.

Early brides and bridesmaids wore similar gowns to ward off bad spirits.

Veil~
When marriages were arranged by family members they were afraid the groom would not like the face of the bride.  The father would walk the bride down the isle and lift the veil for the groom to see the brides face for the first time.

Honeymoon~
In the 16th century the bride would drink mead (brewed fermented honey) for one month (lunar cycle)  to guarantee fertility and the first born to be male.
Another version of the honeymoon is that a groom would take his bride by force.  He would go into hiding for a lunar cycle (29 days) and would keep his bride supplied with mead.  After the lunar cycle, the brides family would have probably calmed down or given up and the groo could bring his bride home.

Giving of Gifts~
In the 1890's a friend placed small gifts in a Japanese parasol, opened it and let the presents "shower" over the brides head.

Bachelor Parties~
In Anciant Greece, Spartan soldiers held stag parties.  The groom was the guest for a feast on the night before the wedding to say goodbye to carefree days and to swear allegiance to comrades.

Engagement Rings~
Represents the promise of a future together.
The diamond has become the symbol of betrothal because it's clarity and brilliance was believed to represent innocence and purity.
Medieval Italians in the 1400s believed the diamond was created from the "flames of love"
Ancient Greeks thought that diamonds reflected the flame of love and thought it to be the tear drop of the God's.
Romans said that diamonds had romantic powers, thinking they were spinters of falling stars that tipped the arrows of Eros, the God of love.
In the Middle Ages diamonds were thought to have the power to bring together estranged marriage partners.

Wedding Rings~
In ancient times they would place the wedding band on the third finger of the left hand believing that the vein of the finger went straight to the heart.
Ancient Romans would make their wedding bands from iron to assure that they would not break as that was thought to be bad luck.

Bridal Bouquet~
The carrying of flowers came from ancient times.  Strong herbs and spices carried by a bride were thought to ward off evil spirits, bad luck and ill health.

Rice Throwing~
Newlyweds were thought to be good luck, so guests would shower them with nuts and grains to insure a bountiful harvest and many children to work the land.  When there were poor harvests, rice was thrown instead.  The tradition still live on today with rice or birdseed being thrown or bubbles being blown.  It has been believed that rice will cause a birds stomach to enlarge and explode after eating rice.  This, however is a myth.  It is rumored that the myth had evolved from church and Synagogue employees tiring of cleaning up after a ceremony.  

Something Old would protect a baby born of the marriage.  Today it represents a link to the brides family and past.
Something New represents good fortune, success and a bright future.
Something Borrowed is a reminder that family and friends will be there with help if needed.
Something Blue represents faithfulness and loyalty.
A lucky sixpence in her shoe assures the bride wealth in the marriage.

Visit All Wedding Pro Blog for more wonderful tips.

 

About the Author

For more of Lulu's wedding related articles please visit All Wedding Pro to get tips and ideas for your special wedding day.

 

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