Weddings are surrounded by many traditions and superstitions, some of which deserve a revival and some of which are better left forgotten! Even though we think we’re rational and forward-thinking, it’s surprising how many of us still follow these old and strange superstitions surrounding our nuptials. Like touching wood and counting magpies, here are some wedding superstitions that you may not have heard of.
Surnames must not start with the same letter
Apparently it is bad luck to wed a person with a surname that starts with the same letter as yours. Such is the strength of this superstition that there is even a rhyme to accompany it: ‘To change the name and not the letter is to change for the worse and not the better’. Thankfully, nobody pays much attention to this anymore. When planning your nuptials, consider the benefits of Marquee Hire Gloucester from a site like https://goodintents.co.uk/marquee-hire-near-me/marquee-hire-gloucester
Avoid pregnant women and blind men
In the past, the tradition was that a groom would send a trusted friend or family member to start proposal plans. However, on the way to the bride-to-be’s home, the groom’s messenger had to watch out for potential bad omens, including seeing a blind man or a pregnant woman! Seeing either of these would be enough to stop the proposal in its tracks.
Colours affect future happiness
There are quite a few superstitions surrounding the colours you choose for your wedding day. The colour of the wedding dress was said to decide how happy you will be together as a couple, for example. Superstitious brides should avoid wearing yellow, pink, green, grey or red (unless you’re in parts of Asia where red is a lucky colour).
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The meaning behind something old and something blue
The best known wedding tradition of all is something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. It began in England, and a final line, a silver sixpence in her shoe, has mostly been dropped. Each item stands for part of the bride’s past, present or future. Something old is often a family piece passed down the generations, something new represents her new life, and something borrowed comes from a happily married relative so their good fortune passes on. Blue was once the colour of purity, much as white is now.
Carrying the bride over the threshold also has superstitious roots. A newly married woman was thought to be vulnerable to evil spirits attacking through her feet before she entered the marital home, so her groom carried her in.
The veil is thought to date from ancient Greek and Roman times, again to hide the bride from spirits trying to ruin the wedding. Some couples also avoid knives as a wedding gift, while a spider on the dress is said to bring good luck.