TriState Pennysaver News

By Christie Harris

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. It’s a well-known saying that’s been passed from generation to generation, and many brides seek meaningful old, new, borrowed and blue items to carry with them on their wedding day.

The saying’s origins are suspected to be English and perhaps during the Victorian era. Each item represents good-luck charms for the bride and each heralds happiness, optimism, hope, and loyalty with friends and family. The color blue has been popular for centuries, beginning in ancient Rome where brides wore blue to symbolize fidelity and modesty. Indeed, Christianity’s own Virgin Mary is dressed in blue symbolizing purity and love.

Although no bride wants rain on her wedding day, it is considered to be good luck. Arachnophobia? In England, finding a spider in your wedding dress is also good luck. English folklore also states that Wednesday is the best day to marry, while Saturday is considered to be unlucky.

For ancient Romans, the veil was thought to protect the bride from evil spirits. Today, a veil is more of a fashion statement and many modern brides go without.

The “stag” party, a loud and boisterous gathering where men said goodbye to their single days, dates back to the days of the Spartans.

In America it is considered to be unlucky for the groom to see the bride on their wedding day before the ceremony, but in France the groom might escort the bride to the church or chapel.

For the Celts, hand-fasting is a traditional binding of the couple’s hands and it is believed that this ritual is where the phrase “tying the knot” originated.

Whatever your beliefs, your wedding day is a proclamation of love and fidelity. Rain, nor snow, nor spiders, nor evil spirits can change that.