Wedding Traditions
Traditions are a part of a culture passed from person to person or generation to generation. They possibly differ in detail from family to family. These are things like how they serve fruit cakes at royal weddings and have specific foods for specific holidays.
They are a part of life and help run events smoothly. The “Something Old…” rhyme as a tradition has been passed on from generations and has its symbolism to weddings and the couple’s life. Thus, the reason for this discussion.
● Something Old
While there’s a notion that “something old” represents protection for the couple’s baby, it can mean their past lives. A life that they’ll be dropping to go into a new one and make a family.
The bride is to have or wear an old item to portray this part of the rhyme. It can be a family heirloom or a vintage car to drive out of the ceremony site, showing “away with the old.”
● Something New
As always, there’s a differing notion that the “something new” part was just for rhyme and nothing more. However, it represents the couple’s new life that they will share.
Again, the couple or bride can incorporate this aspect into their day in many ways. It could be a ring with the encryption of the new name or wedding dress and veil; there have also been cases of matching tattoos. You don’t need to go far in search of “something new.”
● Something Borrowed
To represent “something borrowed,” the couple gets to borrow something from a happily married relative or friend.
Doing this symbolizes their desire for good luck or good fortune. Usually, couples borrow things like a fabric from their friend’s gown or their wedding hair comb.
● Something Blue
For many, something blue can be a garter worn beneath the bride’s gown. It is usually an item for warding off the evil that may come with malicious glares. Also, blue represents fidelity.
The things that stand in for “something blue” can be a blue tie, ribbon, or you may sprinkle clematis into your bouquet.
● … And A Sixpence for Your Shoe
The sixpence part is often missing from the rhyme. Still, it represents prosperity for the couple, and most times, it is the father of the bride who presents it to her shortly before walking her down the aisle.
Couples are bringing back the old traditions for wedding ceremonies, while a few embrace modern methods.
