Popular Wedding Ceremony Traditions
Wedding traditions abound in every culture across the globe and most of us haven't got a clue why we do something. For example that ancient of sayings, "something borrowed, something blue, something old and something new." Where did it come from and why blue and not any other color are questions we don't have the answers to. Why do we have wedding rings and white dresses and so much more?
Let us begin a journey of exploration into the customs that prevail in wedding ceremonies. It is guaranteed to be an interesting read. Many of the wedding traditions have their roots in superstition but they are fascinating to learn about nevertheless.
Wedding rings: According to the Greeks and later the Romans it was believed that the third finger or ring finger on the left hand had a vein leading directly to the heart. To the Egyptians the circle of the wedding band symbolized eternal and unending love. The space in the center also has a meaning of its own as a gateway to the unknown. The ring like time was believed to have no beginning and no end.
Wedding dresses: Prior to the 15th century brides wore their best dresses regardless of any particular color. In the late
15th century the wedding dress came into vogue when Anne of Brittany wore it for her wedding ceremony to her third husband. However, credit must be given to Queen Victoria who is really responsible for the white wedding dress becoming popular, after she wore hers in 1840.
Wedding veils: one explanation is that the veil was frequently adopted in the Middle Ages and Europe, a custom linked to superstition and the protection of the bride from evil spirits. Another superstition is that it brings bad luck to the groom if he sees the bride before the wedding. Traditionally the veil covered the face and the groom lifted it up after the wedding rings were put on for the first kiss. Today the veil is more of an accessory and sometimes covers the face and sometimes just hangs off the back of the head.
Wedding cakes: here's a funny one – ancient Romans broke a small loaf of bread made of either wheat or barley, over the bride's head – ouch! It was a symbol of fertility and this bashing on the head was meant to ensure the bride bore many children.
While all of the above symbols of a wedding ceremony still exist, thankfully the breaking of bread over the bride's head does not.