If you’re planning a wedding, you might consider incorporating some old traditions into your special day.
Many couples are embracing the idea of honoring their heritage and families with classic practices that have been around for centuries.
From something old to something blue, there is no shortage of ways to add meaning and nostalgia to your big day by including these time-honored customs in unique and creative ways.
Old wedding traditions can provide an unforgettable touch that will make your celebration even more meaningful – so why not try them?
Old Wedding Traditions
The wedding rhyme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is an old English adage that has been used for centuries.
According to the rhyme, a bride should wear or carry something old (symbolizing continuity), something new (symbolizing optimism and hope for the future), something borrowed (from a happily married person, to give the marriage luck), and something blue (representing fidelity, love and purity).
This tradition is believed to ensure a happy marriage for the couple.
1. Something Old
The ‘Something Old’ tradition for weddings is rooted in the belief that by carrying or wearing something old on your wedding day, you will ensure a long and happy union.
The tradition originated in England and Scotland in Victorian times, where brides were encouraged to bring with them an item from the past – typically an item of jewelry that was owned by their mother or grandmother.
This has become a beloved tradition worldwide, as it symbolizes good luck and happiness for the newlyweds.
2. Something New
The tradition of something new is an old wedding custom that dates back centuries.
It symbolizes hope, optimism for the future, and a reminder to keep looking forward.
Popular items used in this tradition include jewelry, clothing, shoes, or any other item that can be gifted to the bride on her special day.
History of the Tradition
Something new has been part of weddings since ancient times when it was believed that bringing something new into a marriage would bring good luck and prosperity.
In some cultures, brides were given gifts such as coins or jewelry to signify their commitment to each other and their families.
Today, couples often give each other something new on their wedding day to express love and appreciation for one another.
Popular Items To Use
Jewelry is one of the most popular items used in this tradition because it’s timeless and meaningful.
Other popular choices include clothing like a dress or suit for either partner; shoes; accessories like purses or ties; home decor pieces like vases or wall art; technology gadgets like tablets or cameras; and even tickets to events such as concerts or sporting games.
3. Something Borrowed
The tradition of something borrowed is a centuries-old custom passed down through generations.
It’s believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds and serve as a reminder of the bond between family and friends.
Popular items for this tradition include jewelry, handkerchiefs, or even a piece of clothing from someone close to the couple.
History of the Tradition
The origin of something borrowed dates back hundreds of years when it was believed that borrowing an item from someone who had already experienced marital bliss would pass on their happiness to the new couple.
This superstition has been carried out in many cultures around the world, with each having its unique take on what should be borrowed and how it should be done.
Popular Items to Use
Jewelry is one popular item used for this tradition due to its sentimental value and ability to last forever.
Mothers or grandmothers often give handkerchiefs as they represent love and care for those closest to them.
Other items such as veils, garters, hairpieces, or pieces of fabric can also be used depending on personal preference or cultural background.
The tradition of something borrowed dates back to the Victorian era when it was believed that borrowing an item from a happily married couple would bring good luck and happiness to the newlyweds.
The idea behind this custom is that couples can share in each other’s joy by using a meaningful item from someone else’s wedding day. Popular items for brides to borrow include jewelry, veils, garter belts, and handkerchiefs. For grooms, popular items include cufflinks or ties.
Creative alternatives are also becoming increasingly popular as couples seek out unique ways to incorporate this traditional custom into their weddings.
Some ideas include;
- Having the bride borrow her mother’s wedding dress or veil
- Having the groom wear his father’s watch on his special day
- Incorporating family heirlooms such as quilts or antique dishes into your decorating scheme
- Asking bridal party members to use vintage pieces like brooches and pocket watches in their attire
- Requesting guests to write down advice they wish they had known before getting married, which can then be read aloud during the ceremony
- Writing love letters between you and your partner that can be shared at different points throughout the reception
Although some may think this tradition has become outdated with time, many modern-day couples still choose to honor it on their big day.
There are plenty of ways to make it feel fresh and personal; incorporating something borrowed into your wedding is a great way to add sentimental value while honoring those who have come before you.
It will help create memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Something Blue
The tradition of something blue dates back to ancient times when brides wore a blue ribbon in their hair to symbolize love and fidelity.
Today, the tradition is still alive and well, with many couples incorporating something blue into their wedding day.
Popular items include garter belts, jewelry, ribbons, shoes, and nail polish.
History of the Tradition
Something blue has been part of weddings since ancient times when it was believed that wearing a blue ribbon in your hair on your wedding day would bring good luck and ensure loyalty between the couple.
This belief eventually evolved into what we now know as “something old, something new” which includes four items representing different aspects of marriage such as faithfulness (blue), hope (white), joy (gold) and love (red).
Popular Items to Use
The most popular item associated with this tradition is usually a garter belt or other clothing worn by the bride on her special day.
Other popular options include jewelry like earrings or necklaces featuring sapphires or aquamarines; ribbons tied around bouquets; dyed silk flowers; shoes decorated with bows or rhinestones; and even manicures featuring shades of light blues.
If you want to get creative with your something blue, there are plenty of unique ideas out there.
For example, you could have guests write messages on small pieces of paper that can be tucked away inside an envelope marked “Something Blue” for safekeeping until after the ceremony.
You could also give each guest a pinback button featuring an image related to your theme such as hearts or stars – all in shades of baby blues.
Another fun idea is having everyone sign their name onto an old-fashioned quilt square made from scraps of fabric in various shades ranging from navy to powdery pastels – perfect for displaying at home afterward.
Old Wedding Traditions and Superstitions from Around the World
5. Old Traditions from Around the World
One of the oldest wedding traditions known worldwide is the exchanging of rings.
This symbolizes a never-ending love and commitment and dates back to ancient Egypt when couples exchanged reed or hemp bands as an outward sign of their devotion.
The ‘Something Blue’ tradition dates back to ancient Babylon, when blue was considered a color of purity, love, and fidelity.
In Scotland, a bride traditionally wears tartan sashes in her wedding dress, as blue was considered a good omen for women in marriage.
Also originating in Scotland, is the groom carrying his bride over the threshold of their home once they are married – thought to ward off evil spirits.
Finally, the Japanese have long held that cutting their hair at weddings encourages new beginnings for the couple by washing away any bad luck or negative energy from prior relationships.
One of the oldest wedding traditions is for the bride to wear a white dress, which dates back to Victorian times.
Another age-old tradition is for guests to throw rice at newly married couples as they leave their weddings. This was thought to bring good luck and fertility to the couple.
The ‘Something Old’ tradition requires a bride to carry or wear an item from the past – typically a piece of jewelry owned by her mother or grandmother.
The tying of knots or ribbons around the wrists of those present at a wedding ceremony has also been a long-standing tradition, symbolizing the binding of two lives together in marriage.
Additionally, in some cultures, it was believed that hiding items such as coins in bridal bouquets would bring wealth and fortune for the newlyweds.
6. Old Wedding Superstitions
One of the oldest wedding superstitions from around the world is for grooms to carry a piece of iron in their pocket on their wedding day.
This was thought to protect the groom from evil spirits, and trace its origins back to ancient Rome.
In certain parts of Europe, brides often hold a bouquet of herbs and garlic while walking down the aisle, as this was thought to ward off any bad luck or negative energy.
Similarly, it was believed that sprinkling salt around the perimeter of a wedding ceremony would protect the couple’s marriage. In some cultures, it was also custom for couples to break glass at their ceremony – believed to bring good luck and prosperity during their marriage.
Additionally, in Ireland, it is traditional for couples to have an open fire lit in their home after they are married, as this symbolizes happiness and long life together.
Ancient Civilization Weddings
7. Stoneage Weddings
Though the exact details are unknown, evidence suggests that weddings or similar ceremonies likely existed during the Stone Age.
For the most part, these would have been primitive religious rites that served to unite couples and provide them with good luck in their marriage.
Ancient cave paintings from around this time often depict couples who appear to be interacting in what could be prayed rituals, as well as male and female figures linked together in the same way we link rings today.
It’s also thought that exchanging gifts between families was a common practice during these ceremonies – believed to bring good fortune to the newly joined couple.
8. Ancient Greek Weddings
Ancient Greek weddings were typically colorful and lively affairs, with traditions that often varied depending on the region.
Generally speaking, it was common for couples to exchange gifts such as jewelry or weapons before being joined together in marriage.
Weddings were held inside and outside, often at an altar or in a public gathering space.
During the ceremony, couples would be crowned and asked to exchange vows of love and loyalty over a cup of wine.
Afterward, feasts and music filled the air as guests celebrated the newly married couple—often lasting late into the night.
9. Spartan Weddings
Spartan weddings were typically arranged by the bride’s father, who determined the right time and place to unite the couple.
Spartan marriages were strictly monogamous, so a man could only take one wife.
On their wedding day, the bride would don an elaborately woven linen veil, while the groom had his face painted with red ochre.
Much like other cultures during this time, couples exchanged gifts such as weapons or jewelry before being declared husband and wife.
Afterward, they celebrated with a grand feast that included music and dancing—allowing them to create lifelong memories with family and friends.
10. Ancient Egyptian Weddings
Ancient Egyptian weddings were more elaborate and involved more rituals than most of the other cultures at the time.
On their wedding day, the bride and groom would exchange hand-held garlands of flowers to portray their undying love.
Afterward, they would be adorned with wreaths, chains, and garlands to symbolize unity.
The ceremony typically occurred before an altar or temple, where the couple exchanged vows and drank from a cup blessed by the Gods.
As a final gesture of devotion, couples completed a ritual that involved walking around a holy fire four times—a sign that they’d forever remain committed to one another.
Conclusion
Old wedding traditions are a great way to add nostalgia and sentimentality to your special day.
Whether you choose something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
It’s also a nice reminder of the past and how far we’ve come as couples in our relationships.
So don’t forget about these old wedding traditions when planning your big day.
