Wedding Attire: Superstitions and Symbolism

We all know that weddings are thoroughly saturated with tradition, and superstition, after all, it is one of the most important days of your life, so you want everything to go perfectly!

Some 'traditions' are a little more well known, we've all heard something old (traditionally the couple's parents), something new (the couple), something borrowed (traditionally a veil, or shoes), and something blue (which was the virginity, as red was thought to be a promiscuous woman), and we have used this little poem in our own interpretations. For instance, the bride may wear a blue garter, or borrow a bobby pin from a friend.

There are some other, lesser known customs that are interesting to learn about though, even if their not to be taken to seriously.

The brides mates were believed to have come from Egypt (tinleybridalshow.com), and were meant to confuse evil spirits who might come to take the bride. The best man's job was to protect the groom, and, if the groom were to die, take his place with the bride!

Veils are also a long standing tradition. They also have a start in Egypt, to hide the eyes of the bride, another fool the spirits trick. It is also handy if you were going to have an arranged marriage between two people who haven't seen each other. The veil prevented a groom from running away from a less than striking bride until it was to late.

The wedding dress it's self of course, also comes with it's own set of superstitions. Brides shouldn't (according to the tradition) make their own wedding dresses, or even being involved with the making of the dress! It was considered very unlucky to do so. It is also 'unlucky' to sell a wedding dress. To loan out, or give as a (free) gift to someone is fine, you're just not to receive money from it, it is supposed to ruin your relationship! People also warn against buying a used dress that was the result of a divorce, due to it's 'bad luck.'

Did you know though that the wedding dress did not start off in the white color we all associate with them today? White is used now because it was thought to symbol purity, or virginity, and didn't really come into the fashion until sometime in the sixteenth century (traverlsdigest.com), given a boost by a Queen who chose to marry in white instead of silver (the traditional royal wedding dress color).

Brides didn't have a 'set' color though, they wore what looked best on them. However, certain colors were a no. Green was an unlucky wedding color because the green might remind you of grass stains, presumably from the lady rolling on it, in some fashion (traverlsdigest.com). Red of course, is another no color. It is consider a promiscuous color, not something a blushing bride should be seen in.

The rings are of course, another vital part of the wedding attire. They have been crafted out of everything from bone to hair, but it has mostly been the tradition for gold and silver to be used. Rings have also been traditionally been worn on the third or fourth finger of the left hand (jewerlyexpert.com), because it was believed (and this tradition carries over today in some areas) that the heart ran a direct vein through that finger, and wearing it would be putting you in touch with it. Some places believe that a man should wear gold, and the woman silver, because the man is 'superior,' he should have the more expensive ring.

Wither you believe it or not, chances are you will probably incorporate at least one custom or superstition into your wedding, not because you feel you need luck, but because these customs are so integrated into our culture. Besides, a little luck never hurt!