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wedding customs
Ever wondered where all those wedding customs, terms and rituals come from ? Many of today's wedding traditions and terms originate from ancient rites and superstitions dating back hundreds of years.
WEDDING (to wed)
The word 'wedding' originates from the Gothic word 'wadi' and the Scottish word 'wad'. Both mean 'to pledge'. This is in reference to the groom, who pledges to pay the brides father for his daughters' hand.
BRIDE and GROOM
The word 'bride' comes from the Norman word for 'cook' and the word 'groom' originates from the Norman word for 'male'.
BRIDESMAIDS AND GROOMSMEN
The tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen originates from the ancient Romans, who had a large number of attendants, dressed the same as the bride and groom, to confuse evil spirits.
Further, in medieval Europe, grooms commonly 'stole' their brides, and groomsmen were required to defend the groom from the brides' family. In addition, where brides were accompanied by a dowry or a payment from the brides family, bridesmaids were required to protect the bride, and thus her dowry, from other suitors whilst on her way to meet the groom.
THE ENGAGEMENT RING
The wearing of the engagement ring on the third finger of the left hand originates from the belief that the vein from this finger runs directly to the heart.
The ring itself traditionally represents a security deposit to the brides father for the future marriage, whilst the appropriate dowry was negotiated. The gold of the traditional ring represents purity and strength whilst the ring itself represents never ending love.
BACHELORS PARTY
The ritual of the bachelors party represented the last time the groom could gamble before his wife took over the finances.
BRIDAL SHOWER
The bridal shower originated from the situation where the father of the bride did not approve of the marriage. In this situation, the dowry was withheld and the brides' friends, who became sympathetic to the situation, would provide the necessary household items.
TIE THE KNOT
The term 'tying the knot' originates from the Romans, where the mother of the bride would tie the brides' undergarments into a difficult knot to challenge the groom on the wedding night.
WHITE WEDDING DRESS
In Roman times, the colour white was used for celebrations. However, white symbolized virginity and the Catholic Church saw such pronouncements as unnecessary as virginity was a prerequisite of marriage. The white wedding dress finally became fashionable following Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840.
NOT SEEING THE BRIDE BEFORE THE WEDDING
This tradition originates from arranged marriages where the bride and groom have never met each other. It is considered bad luck if either party sees each other.
BRIDAL FLOWERS
Once again, this tradition originates from the Romans, where bride and grooms wore herbs and flowers to ward off evil spirits.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED AND SOMETHING BLUE.
"Something old" - wearing an heirloom or hand-me-down item represents protection and continuity.
"Something new" - wearing a new item represents faith in the future.
"Something borrowed" - wearing an item from another bride represents the approval of family and friends.
"Something blue" - a bridal dress trimmed with blue ribbon, represents modesty and purity.
GROOM BEING IN THE CHURCH FIRST
The groom was considered to have a greater responsibility in the marriage therefore he entered the church and took his vows first.
FATHER GIVING AWAY THE BRIDE
This originates from the custom of giving dowrys - the father of the bride would exchange the bride for the dowry.
ALTAR POSITION
At Jewish weddings, the groom stands on the left. At Christian weddings, the groom stands on the right. This Christian tradition originates from the days of marriage by capture, where the groom would stand on the right to defend his bride from other suitors.
THE KISS
In Roman times, the kiss sealed the contract between families.
RICE AND CONFETTI
The showering of the bridal couple with rice dates back to Pagan times where the grain represented prosperity and fertility. The name 'confetti' originates from the Italian custom of throwing sugar coated nuts, giving rise to the name 'confetti' (from 'confectionery').
CUTTING THE CAKE
In Roman times, wheat promised fertility, thus a bun was broken over the bride's head. In medieval times, guests brought buns which were then layered into a tower. Later, the French began icing these towers and thus the Croquembouche became popular. In England, wedding cakes were modelled on the spire of London's St. Brides church.
Today, the sharing of the wedding cake represents the sharing of happiness with all whom eat it.
THE FIRST DANCE
The tradition of family and friends joining the couple after the first dance, symbolizing the strength of their immediate community.
BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSSING
The custom of tossing the bouquet originates from the practice where the bouquet was tossed to protect the bride and her dress from those wanting a piece of the lucky wedding attire. Further, to stop well wishing mobs from following the bride and groom back to their chamber, the garter belt would be tossed to placate the crowd.
OVER THE THRESHOLD
In Roman times, brides would have to be dragged across the threshold to symbolise their respect for leaving their fathers house. However, as stumbling across the threshold was considered bad luck, grooms would carry their bride across the threshold.
Copyright, Our Day Pty Ltd, 2004
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Photos by Christopher Clinnick Photography
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