Wedding Traditions

Having recently attended the home of ‘William Shakespeare’ and discovering the meaning behind famous phrases like ‘Hitting the Hay’, ‘Hitting the Sack’ and ‘Feeling Ropey’, it got my mind thinking to why there are so many traditions within weddings, what they all mean and why we still use them today.

The first recorded evidence of marriage ceremonies dates from about 2350 B.C. Over the next several hundred years, marriage evolved into a widespread institution embraced by the ancient Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans. But back then, marriage had little to do with love or with religion. What was it to do with then? Marriage's primary purpose was to bind women to men, and thus guarantee that a man's children were truly his biological heirs. If wives failed to produce offspring, their husbands could give them back and marry someone else.

Religion became involved in the 8th Century by being widely accepted in to the Catholic Church. Church blessings did improve the lot of wives. Men were taught to show greater respect for their wives, and forbidden from divorcing them. 

Marrying for love only appeared to enter the picture during the middle ages. Twelfth-century literature told men to woo the object of their desire by praising her eyes, hair, and lips.

Another fascinating tradition is that of ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue’. This originated in the Victorian era and the Victorians considered the below to be qualities for a solid marriage.

·        Something old: Represents continuity with the bride's family and past.

·        Something new: Represents the hope for a happy future.

·        Something borrowed: Symbolizes good luck and happiness.

·        Something blue: Represents love, purity, and fidelity.

Did you know that Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

Brides traditionally wear veils because ancient Greeks and Romans believed they protected her from evil spirits.

The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where guests broke a loaf of bread over the bride's head for fertility's sake.

Ever wondered where the phrase "tying the knot" came from? In many cultures around the world—including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings—the hands of the bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple's commitment to each other and their new bond.

Honeymoons weren't always so luxurious. Ancient Norse bridal couples went into hiding after the wedding, and a family member would bring them a cup of honey wine for 30 days—or one moon—which is how the term "honeymoon" originated.

There are countless more traditions, these are just some of my favourites. It’s more common these days for couples to shy away from tradition and create their own rules. What would you change/ keep if you could?