WEDDING TRADITIONS AND FOLKLORE - Part 4

Wedding Traditions – how have they changed ?
HONEYMOON

Marriage was historically brought by a capture of the bride by the groom. The groom would take his bride to a place where she could not be found. They would stay at this location for approximately 30 days, as the moon went through its phases. While they were there they would drink a brew made of honey. This is how the term “honeymoon” began.

Couples today usually just get away to some place they feel is romantic for a shorter periods to celebrate the beginning of their lives together.

BRIDE’S GOWN

Traditionally the bridal gowns are white because of ancient Greeks and Romans believing that white was a symbol of purity, innocence, and joy. Today the white or ivory dress is a symbol of the celebration. Lace, was considered an art in Europe, and used as a popular ornamentation to the gowns. Used a lot today!

Note: There are of course other traditions, and research is still being done on them. The ones above are the most common.


TRADITIONS OF OTHER CULTURES FOR WEDDINGS

Sugar Cube – Greek brides tuck a cube of sugar in their glove to sweeten the union.

Rain on Your Wedding Day – Hindu beliefs include that rain on your wedding day is good luck.

Planting of Tree – in the Netherlands a tree is planted outside the newlywed’s home as a symbol of fertility.

Gift Collection – Finish brides traditionally carried a pillow case door to door collecting gifts.

Red and Yellow Outfits – Korean brides were outfits in these colors to their wedding.

Hand Tying – this is done in many cultures, including Celtic, Native American, Hindu and Egyptian. The couple’s hands are tied together during the ceremony as a symbol of their bond and commitment.

Jumping of the Broom – An African-American tradition brought about because marriages were not allowed during slavery, so they would show their love at a celebration by jumping the broom. It is used by many today as part of their ceremony, even other cultures.

Sake – Japanese tradition is that the couple becomes man and wife after they have taken the first nine sips of sake.

Locking of the Doors – In Ireland, the doors to the church were locked after everyone had entered to insure that the groom would not back out.



While these are only a few of the traditions and customs, these are the most readily used in wedding ceremonies. My research will go on and I will update this blog topic again.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope that you are able to incorporate some of these into your wedding!!