Amid the excitement of preparing for and planning your wedding you’ll come across a wonderful blend of beliefs, customs, and even wedding superstitions. Weddings have been surrounded by various superstitions and beliefs for centuries, some of which are meant to bring good luck, while others are to ward off bad luck.
Welcome to ‘Luck, Love, and Legends: The Fascinating World of Wedding Superstitions.’ In this article, we’ll uncover many age-old superstitions and cherished customs that have adorned weddings across cultures and generations. From the cryptic ‘something old, something new’ to the surprising lore about rain on your special day, join us on a journey where folklore and romance converge.
Origins and Beliefs – Exploring Historical Roots
What are the historical roots behind wedding superstitions?
Many wedding superstitions have historical roots with origins in folklore, religious rituals, and symbolism, and have been passed down through centuries. Some are meant to invoke good luck and positivity, such as carrying a special talisman or charm, while the bad luck wedding superstitions are meant to be avoided to prevent any negativity or hardship for the couple.
Here are some historical roots behind common wedding superstitions:
1. Evil Spirits and Protection:
Many superstitions were born from the belief in evil spirits or malevolent forces that could affect the couple’s happiness. Practices like carrying a bride over the threshold or wearing specific items like veils, which were believed to ward off evil spirits, have historical roots in protecting the couple from harm.
2. Symbolism and Rituals:
Various wedding rituals and symbols have historical significance. For example, the exchange of rings is traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where circles were seen as symbols of eternity and the never-ending cycle of love. Veils and the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding have origins in arranged marriages, where the bride’s face was covered until the last moment to prevent the groom from backing out if he didn’t like her appearance.
3. Fertility and Continuity:
Many superstitions revolve around fertility and continuity of the family line. The practice of throwing rice or grain, which symbolizes fertility and prosperity, is meant to bless the couple with abundance.
4. Community and Support:
Some traditions, such as the breaking of dishes or loud noises during weddings, have roots in ancient cultures where loud noises were believed to scare away evil spirits or bring the community together in support of the couple.
5. Astrology and Numerology:
Certain superstitions related to choosing wedding dates or times have roots in astrology or numerology. Different cultures have beliefs about auspicious or inauspicious days based on celestial events or numerological significance.
6. Superstitions for Luck:
The concept of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is believed to have originated in English folklore, with each item carrying a specific meaning to bring luck and prosperity to the bride.
These historical roots often reflect the values, beliefs, and concerns of societies from ancient times. While some superstitions may have lost their original meanings or practical significance, or the meanings/significance have changed to fit modern beliefs, they continue to be part of wedding practices, adding depth and tradition to the celebration.
Pre-Wedding Superstitions – Superstitions Leading Up to the Big Day
What are some superstitions leading up to the day of a wedding?
Leading up to a wedding, there are numerous superstitions and beliefs that couples might encounter or consider. Here are some common superstitions observed in the days or weeks before a wedding:
1. Wedding Dress Superstitions:
There are several beliefs around the wedding dress, such as not showing the full dress to the groom before the wedding day to avoid bad luck. Additionally, some superstitions caution against the bride making her own wedding dress, as it’s believed to bring misfortune. This quote sums it up perfectly, “Every stitch made was thought to represent a tear that she’d shed during her marriage.”
2. Final Fitting Mishaps:
If there are issues or alterations needed during the final dress fitting just before the wedding, some see it as a bad omen or a sign of upcoming challenges in the marriage.
3. Dreams:
Dreams leading up to the wedding are often thought to carry significant meaning. Positive dreams about the wedding are considered auspicious, while negative dreams might be seen as foretelling difficulties.
4. Weather Signs:
Observing natural signs or weather patterns leading up to the wedding is sometimes seen as a superstition. For example, a beautiful sunset or a rainbow before the wedding day might be considered a good omen.
5. Avoiding Certain Days:
Some cultures have beliefs about certain days being more auspicious for weddings than others. Avoiding unlucky days or choosing a specific day based on astrological or cultural considerations is common.
6. Talisman or Lucky Charms:
Couples may carry or wear certain items believed to bring good luck, such as a specific charm or a family heirloom.
7. Avoiding Seeing Each Other:
Similar to the superstition on the wedding day, some couples also avoid seeing each other in the days leading up to the ceremony to ensure good luck.
8. Gifts and Traditions:
There are traditions and superstitions around the giving and receiving of gifts before the wedding. For instance, in some cultures, giving knives as a wedding gift is considered bad luck, as it symbolizes severing the relationship.
9. Rings and Jewelry:
Some superstitions caution against trying on wedding rings before the ceremony, believing it might bring negative energy or disrupt the union.
Wedding Day Superstitions – Superstitions on the Day of the Wedding
What are some superstitions on the day of a wedding?
Certainly, weddings are often surrounded by various superstitions and beliefs on the actual day of the ceremony. Here are some common superstitions observed on a wedding day:
1. Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony:
There’s a superstition that it’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding ceremony. Some believe it might bring misfortune or a doomed marriage.
2. Wedding Day Weather Superstitions:
Snow on your wedding day has happy connotations. It symbolizes warmth and peace, as well as purity, new beginnings, and transformation. However, rain on the wedding day has different interpretations across cultures. While some see it as a sign of good luck and fertility, others consider it a bad omen, fearing it might bring sadness or difficulties in the marriage.
3. Wedding Attire:
There are numerous superstitions associated with wedding attire, such as the bride not wearing her complete outfit before the wedding day to ward off bad luck. Also, it’s considered unlucky for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony.
4. Wedding Rings:
Dropping the wedding ring during the ceremony is believed to bring bad luck. Additionally, some superstitions caution against removing the wedding ring after it’s been placed on the finger.
5. Breaking Glass or Dishes:
Some cultures have traditions involving the breaking of glass or dishes to ward off evil spirits or symbolize the breaking of bad luck.
6. Timing:
There are beliefs about auspicious times for weddings, and some superstitions caution against marrying during certain phases of the moon or certain times of the year.
7. Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals:
Seeing certain animals or insects, like butterflies or birds, on the wedding day is often considered good luck or a sign of future happiness.
8. Sneezing:
In some cultures, sneezing before the wedding ceremony is considered lucky, especially for the bride, as it’s believed to expel evil spirits.
9. Veil and Coverings:
There are superstitions about veils, such as the belief that a bride should wear her veil over her face until after the ceremony to protect her from evil spirits.
What is the meaning behind rain on a wedding day? Is it good luck or bad luck?
The belief regarding rain on a wedding day varies across cultures and traditions. In some cultures, rain is considered a sign of good luck and blessings, while in others, it might be seen as a bit of bad luck.
Here are a few interpretations:
1. Good Luck:
Some cultures believe that rain on a wedding day symbolizes fertility, cleansing, and a prosperous future for the couple. It’s seen as a sign of abundance and a blessing from the heavens.
2. Renewal and Cleansing:
Rain is often associated with washing away the old and bringing in the new. It’s seen as a cleansing force that purifies and refreshes, marking the start of a new chapter in the couple’s life.
3. Symbol of Unity:
Raindrops are individual, yet when they come together, they form a unified force. Some view rain on a wedding day as a symbol of the unity and solidarity the couple should have in facing challenges together.
However, on the flip side:
1. Potential Disruption:
Logistically, rain can disrupt outdoor ceremonies and plans, potentially causing inconvenience. Some see it as a bit of bad luck in terms of the practical aspects of a wedding day.
2. Symbol of Tears:
Rain can be associated with tears and sadness. In this context, rain on a wedding day might symbolize sorrow or difficulties in the marriage ahead.
Ultimately, whether rain on a wedding day is considered good luck or bad luck depends on cultural beliefs, personal perspectives, and interpretations. Many couples choose to embrace it as a symbol of fertility, renewal, and a sign of a prosperous union ahead.
Attire and Accessories Superstitions – Superstitions Related to Attire and Accessories
What are some superstitions surrounding wedding attire or accessories?
Wedding attire and accessories come with their own set of superstitions and beliefs, often rooted in various cultural traditions. Here are a few superstitions surrounding wedding attire and accessories:
1. Wearing White:
Wearing white is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings to the marriage. In the Victorian era, the tradition of wearing white symbolized purity and innocence. However, some superstitions caution against wearing a white dress if it’s not your first marriage, as it might symbolize insincerity or deceit.
2. Veil:
Veils were traditionally worn to protect the bride from evil spirits. Some cultures believed that lifting the veil too early would expose the bride to these spirits. Others see the veil as a symbol of modesty and purity.
3. Borrowed Items:
As part of the “something borrowed” tradition, brides often wear something borrowed from a happily married friend or family member. This is believed to bring good luck and happiness to the newlyweds.
4. Pearls:
Some superstitions suggest that wearing pearls on your wedding day brings tears to the marriage. However, others believe that pearls symbolize purity and innocence, making them an ideal wedding accessory.
5. Garter Toss:
There’s a superstition that the man who catches the bride’s garter will be the next to marry. This tradition has evolved into a playful activity at weddings, often accompanied by this belief.
6. Rings:
Dropping the wedding ring during the ceremony is considered bad luck. Additionally, some believe it’s unlucky for the bride to try on her wedding band before the wedding day.
Post-Wedding Superstitions – Superstitions After the Celebration
What are some post-wedding superstitions or traditions observed for luck or blessings?
Post-wedding superstitions and traditions are often observed to bring luck, blessings, and prosperity to the newly married couple. Here are some common ones:
1. Rice or Grain Throwing:
Tossing rice or grains at the newlyweds as they leave the ceremony or reception is believed to bring fertility, abundance, and prosperity to their married life.
2. Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold:
Carrying the bride over the threshold of their new home is believed to protect her from evil spirits and bring good luck to the marriage.
3. Bread and Salt:
In some Eastern European cultures, the parents of the bride and groom welcome them with bread and salt, symbolizing prosperity, health, and the importance of their roles as providers.
4. Horseshoe:
Hanging a horseshoe in the newlywed’s home is believed to bring good luck and protect the household from evil spirits.
5. Saving the Cake:
Saving a piece of the wedding cake to be eaten on the couple’s first anniversary is believed to bring good luck and happiness to the marriage. This superstition led to the practice of keeping the entire top tier of your wedding cake.
6. Gifts of Good Luck:
Couples may receive gifts or tokens meant to bring luck, such as lucky charms, heirlooms, or traditional items symbolizing prosperity or protection.
7. Planting a Tree:
Planting a tree together after the wedding symbolizes growth, strength, and the nurturing of their relationship over time.
8. Breaking Glass:
In some cultures, breaking glass at the end of the wedding is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and happiness to the couple.
Conclusion
These wedding superstitions and traditions are often deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and are meant to bring blessings, protection, and good fortune to the newlyweds as they embark on their married life together.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Have questions about your wedding plans? Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!