Wedding Traditions -- Something Old, Something New
Traditions—great starters for wonderful beginnings. As you plan your wedding day, you can borrow something old or create something new. Let these ideas from around the world inspire you. The Lucky Couple
- On a bride's wedding day in Sweden, a mother will put a gold coin in her daughter's right shoe. Her father will put a silver one in the left. The bride is then assured a wealthy married life.
- A wedding day in Africa calls for a Libation. A few drops of wine or other liquid is poured on the ground for ancestors to enjoy.
- As the English couple enters and exits the wedding location, bells ring to scare off any lurking evil spirits. The bride follows the old rhyme of something old, something new but she adds a lucky sixpence in her shoe.
- The Greek bride carries a lump of sugar in her glove to make sure her married life is sweet.
- Planting a tree on your wedding day is common in many countries. In Switzerland, a pine tree is planted as a symbol of luck and fertility.
- In China, the number eight is considered lucky so an eight-course meal is served at the wedding. One of those dishes will feature noodles which stand for longevity. (So make sure the noodle strands are extra long.)
Two Become One
- African-Americans often jump over a broomstick decorated with flowers. This custom began during the days of slavery when a traditional wedding ceremony was denied to them.
- The new French twosome drinks from a "coup de marriage," a two-handled cup which is usually passed down from one generation to the next. The wedding night is marked with mischievous pranks called Chiverie. Guests bang on pots and pans to disturb the first night together. This practice came to America and was called Shivaree by the pioneers. Now we tie cans on our cars for the disruptive clanking.
- During a Mexican marriage ceremony, a rosary is draped around the bride's and groom's shoulders and hands to express their unity. At the couple's first dance, the crowd surrounds them in a heart-shaped ring.
What Will Be, Will Be
- Italian couples shatter a vase at their wedding reception. The more pieces of broken glass, the more happy years they will share.
- In a Russian Orthodox ceremony, the bride and groom are crowned and then race to a white rug. The winner gets to be head of the household. (Maybe you'll want to wear your running shoes.)
- In Finland, the groom's mother balances a china plate on her head during the newly married couple's first dance. When the plate falls, the shattered pieces are counted to find out how many children the couple will have.
Or Start Something New
- Tuck notes of appreciation into the bridesmaids' bouquets.
- Serve fortune cookies with specially printed messages to all your guests.
- Use lacey fans or candles instead of bouquets for the bridesmaids.
- Pick colors that represent the countries of your heritage. While tradition limits the color to one, blend a combination to create a beautiful palette. You can send color chips along with the invitations in case the guests would like to match their outfits. (Imagine a red, white and blue wedding.)
- Tie pennies dated from the bride's and groom's birth year into an embroidered handkerchief with the couple's names and wedding date.
- If you'd like your reception to be alcohol-free, here's an enlightened alternative. Give all the guests a candle to light. After the toast, the candles are blown out creating a discreet moment for the bride and groom to share a quick kiss.
- Write a thankful personal message to each of your guests on their place card.
- Donate the leftover food from the reception to a shelter.
Now all that's left to do is to live happily ever after.
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