The origins of many wedding traditions can be traced back to ancient times and were often based on superstitions and folklore. It is however quite entertaining to explore them and see where some of the traditions that are very much ingrained in our culture actually began.
Bridal Shower: At a party for the bride-to-be, friends put gifts inside a parasol and opened it over the bride-to-be's head. When she opened the parasol she was showered with gifts, hence the expression “bridal shower”.Tying The Knot: In ancient Rome a bride wore a girdle that was tied with knots, hence the expression “tying the knot”. In order to consummate the marriage the groom had to untie the knots.
Ring Finger: It was believed that the vein in the third finger led directly to the heart.
Bridesmaids: In ancient times brides and bridesmaids wore similar dresses in order to confuse evil spirits.
White Wedding Dress: Brides wore their best dress on their wedding day, until the wedding of Queen Victoria. Her choice of a white wedding dress revolutionized bridal attire forever.
Bridal Veil: In ancient days when marriages were arranged, the bride and groom didn’t see each other or meet prior to the wedding. The bride wore a veil so that the groom couldn’t see her face until they were officially married; minimizing the risk that the groom would call off the wedding if he didn’t think that the bride was pretty enough. Early Greek and Roman Brides wore red or yellow veils to ward off demons.
Tuxedo: Grooms wore their best suit on their wedding day until the wedding of President Teddy Roosevelt. He wore a tuxedo on his wedding day and grooms since then have followed suit – pun intended.
Wedding Bouquets: Wedding bouquets were originally made of strong herbs like thyme and garlic to frighten away evil spirits.
Carrying The Bride Over The Threshold: According to ancient tradition a groom used to steal his bride from her tribe. More often than not the groom carried her kicking and screaming into her new home. Over time this tradition somehow morphed into something romantic and as a result brides are still carried over the threshold.
Tossing Rice: In ancient times guests showered the bride and groom with nuts and grains, symbolic of a good harvest. However in years when nuts and grains were in short supply, rice was used instead.
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