Wedding Superstitions and Traditions from All Over the World

Wedding traditions were born from superstitions. As you prepare for the Big Day, you don't want to risk bad luck on your wedding. Following are some superstitions and traditions that may help your wedding day be more successful.

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in her shoe."

The tradition seeks something old representing the single life you are leaving, something new to symbolize the transition to married life, a borrowed item for good fortune, and something blue for purity, fidelity, and constancy. A sixpence carried in the Bride's shoe signified wealth and prosperity in the future. (http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-customs/articles/50-wedding-traditions-supers titions-facts-trivia.aspx?MsdVisit=1, Researched 10/2009)

Don't wear your entire wedding ensemble before the day. This superstition is bad luck.When you have fittings, leave something off.

A tradition at French wedding receptions unifies the two families through wine. The Bride and Groom raise a glass of wine from different vineyards. Pouring the wines in a third glass, they drink from it.

June weddings are popular, but it stems from a superstition for good marriage, hearth, and childbirth. June is linked to the Roman goddess Juno who rules over these fortunes.

Traditionally rice is tossed at the bridal couple for fertility.

In China, it's tradition for the Bride to wear a red wedding dress, symbolizing love and joy.

Queen Victoria wore a white gown in the 1840s. Traditionally royalty wore silver wedding dresses.

According to superstition, if the Bride stumbles while passing through the doorway, it means bad luck for the marriage.

Traditionally, borrowing an old veil means good fortune and fertility passed from the first marriage to the new Bride.

Superstition believes bad luck for the bridal couple if everyone present doesn't eat a piece of cake.

A superstition believes crying on your wedding day means not crying again in your marriage.

Some superstitious people believe if it rains on your wedding day, this is good luck for fertility.

One superstition says to see a chimney sweep on your wedding day, be prepared for good luck.

In the days of early Rome, a kiss was completely binding. To the kiss is a tradition.

Rose petals are thrown to ward off evil spirits according to one superstition.

In Medieval Times, it was tradition for a knight to wear the colors of his lady. The Groom's boutonniere should match a flower in the Bride's bouquet.

Traditions offer five sugared almonds as a favor representing Long Life, Fertility, Health, Wealth, and Happiness.

Wooden spoons are a traditional gift given to the Bride to help her cook the best meals for her husband.

In Macedonia, silver coins are tradition for wishes of prosperity.

Traditional Japanese couples take nine sips of sake because the number three is a symbol of good luck.

A Mexican Groom may give the Bride 13 gold coins. This tradition represents commitment.

Superstitious Greeks believe a sugar cube in the Bride's glove will make the marriage sweeter.

Pearl jewelry on your wedding day is considered bad luck. Pearls are the shapes of tears.

A sapphire in the wedding ring symbolizes a happy marriage.

Superstition believes the Bride should only look in the mirror once to see the complete look before heading to the altar.

There are many wedding traditions and superstitions throughout the world. You can take steps to have a happy start to your marriage.