Something Old, Something New...
Something Borrowed, Something Blue.....
Blue is said to also be the color of Purity and Love.
Brides of the Old World wore Blue on their wedding day as a symbol of
love, fidelity, and purity. If the bride borrowed anything from a happily
married women, it was thought to transfer her good fortune and joy to the
soon-to-be bride. These customs are thought to be ancient Hebrew
traditions.
Also found written in an Olde English rhyme, symbolizes Continuity, and
Optimism for the Future, borrowing happiness, fidelity and good fortune.
The Bride's Shower
Long ago, it is written, that a poor but good and kind man, fell in love
with a girl whose father was well to do. The father forbid their marrage and would not provide a dowry. The villagers of the town, seeing their true
love, came to the aid of the young lovers and presented the bride to be with
enough gifts to begin a life of their own.
It is also written that long ago the groom would be accompanied by his
friends to help kidnap his bride and defend him from anyone who might stop
him, or worse, try to steal her away! Later in more "civilized" times, the
bride traveled to the groom's home with her escorts, and bridesmaids, who
protected her, and the dowry from robbers
To fool demons that might take away the joy of the bride and groom
, their friends dressed similarly to them. If the evil spirits were unable
to tell them apart, and woe would not befall the newlyweds.
Veil and White Lace
The Veil was long a symbol of youth and virginity and was used to ward
off evil. It is Now a Traditional white all because her suitor complemented
her beauty while she stood behind a white lace window curtain!
Purity is always the thought of people when they think of a bride dressed
in white, however the Ancient Greeks And Romans uses white in many celebrations
to signal joy. According to some writings, Greeks even painted their whole
bodies white for wedding celebrations!!
Ring of Love
A stone, filled with the "fires of love" is why the diamond has become
the symbol of engaged couples everywhere. No other stone can portray the
intensity and strength of true love so well. To Match the Sparkle in her eyes.
The ring of gold ,a symbol of lasting beauty, purity, and strength,
itself has been a symbol of the joining of a man and woman as a perfect union
since the Egyptians used it in hieroglyphics to portray eternity. A never-ending
circle, a perfect symbol for an everlasting love of the heart.
The Romans furthered this tradition By choosing the third finger on the
left hand as the place for this most special ring. It was believed that
the "vena amoris", the vein of love ran from this finger directly to the
heart.
Flowers
For centuries, flowers and greenery have accented
bridal parties around the world. The Throwing of Flower Petals, the Bouquet. The Aura and scent to drive the passion. Walking on Rose Petals, as a path for the Newlyweds. Certain flowers, such as the rose, lilies, myrtle, and ivy are Victorian symbols for love, fidelity, and marriage.
The Bridal Kiss!!
The Kiss was actually the legal bond that sealed all Roman contracts, including marriage. It was also the belief that when they kissed, a part of one's soul was left in the other in the breath that was taken.
The Wedding Cake
The wedding cake in Roman times was broken over the brides head to wish
the couple a life of plenty. Guests would gather crumbs for good luck.
In Medieval England the Multi-tiered wedding cake was conceived from the
tradition of the guests of the bride and groom bringing small cakes for the
reception and placing them in a pile on a table. The bride and groom were
to kiss for good luck over the cakes. To help keep the pile together, the
cakes were iced to each other, making the first tiered cake.
Music
Music has Always been used at festive occasions to celebrate a union. In ancient times Music and dance would last for days, till all in the party fell down in a haze. Music was used to symbolize Joy and Happiness, the singing used to ward off all evil spirits. Music and the Joy of Song.
The Honeymoon
The couple would spend a "honeymoon", That is, one month, or from full
moon to full moon, to be alone together without all the responsibilities that
come with marriage. While together, they would drink a type of "honey wine",
which honey was the ancient symbol of life, health, and fertility.
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