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There are many rhymes, superstition and traditions related to weddings but probably not everyone knows the origin or meaning of them.
Incorporating wedding traditions in your wedding day is a funny and wonderful way of celebrating and understanding the historical importance of marriage within a modern context.
Listed below you will find some rhymes, superstitions and traditions still popular today. What do they mean?
Well, here you will find an explanation...

 

RHYMES

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue... and a sixpence in your shoe"

The meaning of this popular bridal rhyme dates back to the Victorian times.

Something old refers to wearing something that represents a link with the bride's old life. Usually brides wear their mother's wedding dress or a piece of the family Jewelry.

Wearing something new may bring good fortune to the bride's new life. The bridal gown can be used , if it is purchased new, or any other new item purchased of the bride's wedding attire.

Wearing something borrowed, which has been worn by a friend on her wedding day (if she is happily married), is meant to bring good luck.

Something blue dates back to biblical times when the color blue was the symbol of purity and fidelity.

A sixpence in your shoe... is a symbol of wealth. Placing a sixpence in the bride's left shoe, should bring her both  financial wealth and wealth of happiness throughout her married life.

 

Month of Marriage Rhyme

This is an old English rhyme that tells you the best month for getting married.

Married when the year is new,
He'll be loving, kind and true.

When February birds do mate
You wed nor dread your fate.

If you wed when March winds blow
Joy and sorrow both you'll know.

Marry in April when you can
Joy for maiden and the man.

Marry in the month of May
And you'll surely rue the day.

Marry when the June roses grow
Over land and sea you'll go.

Those who in July do wed
Must labour for their daily bread.

Whoever wed in August be,
Many a change is sure to see.

Marry in September's shine,
Your living will be rich and fine.

If in October you do marry
Love will come, but riches tarry.

If you wed in bleak November
Only joys will come, remember

When December's snows fall fast,
Marry and true love will last.

 

Religious scruples prevented Christians from marrying during Lent, Advent, or Easter week. In the 16th century, thanks to the Protestant Reformation, the church allowed to celebrate wedding ceremonies during these religious holidays.

 

Day of Wedding  - Rhyme

Despite this rhyme most couples prefer to marry on Saturday.

Monday for wealth.
Tuesday for health.
Wednesday the best day of all.
Thursday for losses.
Friday for crosses.
Saturday for no luck at all.

Sunday, in ancient times was the best day for getting married because most people were free from work.

 

Bridal Gown Rhyme

Married in White, you have chosen right
Married in grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Blue, you will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Brown, you will live in the town,
Married in Pink, you spirit will sink.

 

In ancient times brides used to marry in red or others bright colors. Was Josephine Bonaparte who broke this tradition by wearing a white gown on her wedding day. Since then, brides began wearing white gowns as symbol of their social status and wealth.White is also the symbol purity and virginity.

" Married in green, ashamed to be seen": To say a girl 'had a green gown' also implied that she was of loose morals, because her dress would be grass-stained due to rolling around in the fields!

 

Ancient Roman Proverb

"Prosperity to the man and happiness to the maid when married in  June"

The name of June derives from Juno , the Roman Goddess of women. She possessed women's life, protecting their fertility and blessing engagements and marriages.

The Romans believed that  blessed marriages that took place in her month.

 
       

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