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Wedding Rings
The wedding rings
represent a promise for everlasting love. The rings represent the promises
joining both the bride and groom together. The wedding rings are placed on the
fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally believed that this
finger was a direct connection to the heart.
White Bridal Gown
This tradition is
said to have began in 1840 when Queen Victoria wore an elegant all white gown to
her wedding when she married her first cousin, Albert of Saxe-Coburg Gotha.
Queen Victoria wore white because people believed it represented affluence,
virginity and purity.
Bridal Veil
It is said the
bridal veil was a symbol for modesty, respect and virginity. The veil is
considered a reminder to everyone that the physical relationship was entered
into only after the vows were exchanged and the marriage became official with
the seal of a kiss.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Lucky
Sixpence in Your Shoe
Most people have
heard the bride is suppose to wear something old, something new, something
borrowed, something blue and a lucky sixpence in her shoe on her wedding day.
The traditional significance of each saying is:
The old and new
items represent the passage from the single status to the married status.
The borrowed item represents the approval of the wedding by family, friends
and the community. Something blue is a symbol of purity, love and fidelity.
Lucky sixpence in your shoe represents a small coin of the United Kingdom
that equals six pennies. Today, one penny is commonly placed in the brides
shoe to represent the lucky sixpence.
Flowers at the Ceremony
Flowers at the Ceremony
are said to represent fertility, purity, new life and never ending love.
White Aisle Runner
The white aisle
runner symbolized God's holiness and walking on holy ground. It is believed that
marriage is not just between two individuals but includes the presence of God
who is actively involved in the marriage ceremony.
Flower Girl
When rose pedals are
thrown before the bride as she walks down the aisle, it is to ward-off evil
spirits below the ground and grant fertility.
Father Giving the Bride Away
This tradition
originally began when brides were arranged into marriages and considered
property. Later, this tradition became an act that the father agreed the groom
was the best choice for his daughter.
Where the Bride Stands at
the Altar
Traditionally, the
bride stands on the grooms left side. Is said, this tradition goes back to when
marriages may take place by capturing the bride. By having the bride stand to
the groom's left, the groom would have his right hand free for his sword.
Breaking of Glass
This was a Jewish
tradition that represents the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Some
couple save the pieces of glass from the ceremony in a symbolic box.
Groom Exchanging First Vow
The groom is
considered the initiator, therefore he is the first to state his vow for
marriage.
Taking of Each Others Right Hand
The right hand is a
symbol of strength, resource and purpose in life. The coming together of right
hands is a symbol that both the bride and the groom can depend on each other and
the merger of their lives together into one.
Unity Candle
The unity candle is a
symbol of family unity. Usually, there is one single candle and two individual
candles. The two individual candles are lit by the mother of the bride and the
mother of the groom. The bride and groom each take one of the individual candles
and light the single candle together.
The Kiss
It is said that
during the Roman Times, the kiss was a legal bond that sealed all contracts. If
a marriage was not sealed with a kiss I was considered null and void.
Pronounced Man and Wife
This represents the
official marriage of the bride and groom and the bride officially changes her
name.
Arch of Swords Following
the Ceremony (Sabers in Military Weddings)
Walking through the
arc of swords following the ceremony was done to ensure the couple's safe
passage into their new life together.
Throwing of Rice and Flowers
When the bride and
groom leave the church, throwing of rice and flowers represented the wish for
the couple to have a fruitful and plentiful life together. Originally rice and
wheat were thrown over the married couple to represent the hope for fertility.
Signing of Marriage License and Signing of Guest Book
The signing of the
marriage certificate documents a public record of the marriage. The guest book
was a record of all people who witnessed the wedding.
Material Provided by
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