Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient times brides wore bright colored wedding dresses to signify their joy. White for western brides didn't become fashionable until Queen Victoria wore it at her wedding to signify her status. White dresses never did signify purity until the Christian churches put that label on them. So feel free to add a little color to your wedding outfit.
Wedding bands made of hemp or braided grass were the earliest rings. They eventually fell out of favor, replaced by durable metals until about the 15th century when diamonds came upon the scene, to signify a valuable strong commitment, a tradition which most modern couples choose to keep.
When grooms would "capture" their brides and or were afraid of evil spirits they would comer the woman's head to keep her from being recognized.
Bridesmaids' dresses are all identical. Where did this practice originate? Long ago the brides friends wore the same exact outfit as the bride to confuse the evil spirits who wanted to destroy her happiness;. It also helped to prevent the bride from being kidnapped by a rival suitor.
The receiving line developed from the ancient belief, that on their wedding day, the bride and groom brought good luck to everyone they touched. Modern couples often pass on this and prefer to "make the rounds" greeting their guests during the wedding dinner.
In ancient Rome a marriage was not legal until the couple kissed. The kiss was considered a legal bond necessary to seal all contracts. This is thought to be the origin of the present day custom of banging a spoon against a glass until the newlyweds kiss.
Will you have your dad walk you down the aisle? Do you know where this custom originated? Long ago, a woman was considered her father's property until she married, and their she was her husband's property. At the wedding the Dad would literally "give her away," transferring ownership to the husband. Now brides often have their fathers or both parents accompany them, and have the officiant ask "Who supports this couple in marriage?" The parents answer "We do."
There is no need to explain what the honeymoon is. But do you know where the term originated? In ancient Ireland, when a couple married, the parents would make sure they had a supply of a drink made from fermented honey called mead, that would last for a full cycle of the moon. It was believed they would be blessed with a son within a year.
Back when a bride could be forced by a captor to marry, the groom would have to carry her against her will into her new home. The Romans thought that it was bad luck, for a bride to trip over the threshold so to prevent that, the groom carried her.
During the Middle Ages the length of a bride's train indicated her rank in court. The longer her train the closer she was to the King and Queen and the greater her influence with them.
During the 18th and 19th centuries gloves were the traditional wedding favor for guests.
Here are a few more unusual traditions from around the world. The Greek bride tucks a sugar cube in her glove to "sweeten the union." According to Hindu beliefs rain on your wedding day is good luck.; Some western cultures believe rain is unlucky.
In Holland it is traditional to plant a tree outside the newlyweds home as a symbol of fertility. Finnish brides traditionally carried a pillowcase door to door, collecting gifts. An older married man went with her, symbolizing a long marriage.
Korean brides wear red and yellow outfits for their weddings. Danish brides and grooms used to confound the evil spirits by cross-dressing. Egyptian parents traditionally do all the cooking for a week, so that the couple can relax.
In many cultures including Hindu, Egyptian and Celtic, the hand of a bride and groom are tied together as a symbol of their new bond and commitment to the marriage. This is the origin of the expression "Tying then knot".
In Roman mythology the god Juno rules over childbirth, marriage and the hearth. This is believed to be the reason for the popularity of June weddings.
African-American weddings often hold to the tradition of "jumping the broom". Slaves in the United States were not allowed to marry, so they would exhibit their love by jumping over a broom to the beat of drums. It now is symbol of the couple's intention to set up a home together.
Japanese couples become man and wife when they take the first of nine sips of sake. In Irish tradition once the bride and groom were in the church, the guests would lock the doors to make sure the groom couldn't back out. It was also important that a male not a female be the first to wish joy to the newly married bride.
There is an old English rhyme that brides have been obeying for years. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." The actual rhyme also included this line "and a sixpence in your shoe". Relatives usually offer the something old, like great grandmother's antique cameo, or your mom's gown. These items provide continuity from generation to generation.
The "new" symbolizes home for the future and can include your gown or veil , a strand of pearls, bouquet of silk flowers, or a new coin to tuck in your shoe. The choices here are endless.
Borrowed happiness is symbolized by the something borrowed. It should be something that brought happiness to the owner. Some possibilities are your mother in law's ruby brooch, your dad's silk handkerchief, or your parents' wedding song.
The blue something symbolizes fidelity, love and good fortune. Often, there is a blue ribbon on the garter. Other ideas are blue flowers, delphiniums, or irises in your bouquet, sapphire earrings and necklace, or even your lingerie.
You may want to consider incorporating some of these ideas into your wedding plans. There are books and magazines that you can search for traditions from your own ethnic or religious traditions. Perhaps you like something you've heard about from another culture that you can adapt for your wedding. If you will have children at your reception you might want to borrow the Puerto Rican idea of pinatas, even the adults might enjoy that one.
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of
Wedding Dresses which includes
Informal Wedding Dress,
Discount Bridal Gowns,
and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information
Reclaiming the Pretty Feminine: Pretty Summer Skirts by Mehera Shaw Embrace Femininity
Finally fashion has turned toward the pretty feminine. It used to be a taboo to suggest that a fashion was simply put-- pretty. Now it is recognizably in vogue to wear pretty clothes as a way of expressing ones femininity, says Mehera Shaw designer, Shari Keller. With the idea of pretty comes the skirt; it is the perfect wardrobe piece for every women.
Carhartt Clothing - Dressing Warmly on the Job With Carhartt Outerwear
As autumn moves into winter, it?s important to dress warmly for the elements Especially in the Northern climate, where temperatures can drop below freezing for months, it?s essential to have the right work gear to get the job done and be safe while outside
Wrap Skirt - Make Your Own Style - A Perfect Casual
Nothing makes dressing as easy as quickly wrap around a skirt and slip on to a top and off you go Apart from not having to think too hard, a wrap skirt could be both empowering and utterly sexy
Dress for Dating Success: Clothes to Attract the Man of Your Dreams
In order to attract the man of your dreams, it helps to dress in a way
that honors your beautiful body. When I use the word "honor," I don't
mean you should dress like a nun or hide yourself in an ankle-length
skirt and a turtleneck.
"Fit Momma Maternity Fitness Skirt" the Latest Style for Pregnancy Running and Active Wear
Introducing our new Maternity Fitness "Fit Momma Skirt". We at RunningSkirts.com strongly support pregnancy fitness. The new maternity active wear line was designed by co-founder, Cindy, during her recent pregnancy. "We did a lot of research on running during pregnancy and were inspired by learning of elite marathoner Paula Radcliffe's continued training through her pregnancy." Hence the inspiration and birth (no pun intended) of our new Maternity Fitness Skirt we fondly refer to as our "Fit Momma Skirt."
Online Beach Wear Mini Skirts.
When a woman wants to be a sexy, she should try beach mini skirts.
Women?s Beach Wear Skirts Online.
Woman wants to cover your bikini bottom. What could she use? She could use beach skirts.
First Seamless Running Skirt Debuts at Los Angeles Marathon
Zensah® revolutionizes women's running by creating the first seamless running skirt
Keep Your Shirt On- Skirt Those Forex Scams
Whenever there is an opportunity to make large amounts of money, there will be people who are eager to jump right in and start making money. And where there are people who are eager to get rich quick with a minimum of effort on their part, there are fraudsters waiting to take their money. Experienced traders are wise enough to avoid the frauds ? it?s the new traders who are most vulnerable to the forex scams that are slipping into the currency exchange market.
Leather Jackets, Pants, Skirts: Bikers - The Hot Products In Leather Market
What is Fashion? Embracing style, trend, and comfort is called Fashion.Fashion in todays world is compared to air in our planet.
Women In Short Skirt
The short skirt is a fashion trend that seems to have some degree of popularity it is a fun and flirty fashion
Former Barbarian Prefers Jumpsuit Over Leather Skirts
With over 35 years experience, an unconventional technique and a best selling book, this "fitness adventurer" isn't afraid to shake things up.
Formal Skirts Investigated
As a woman, there are few things I appreciate more than a good skirt There are numerous styles and designs when it comes to these fashionable and modest garments making them perfect solutions for the woman that needs something elegant and professional
Ethnic Women's Clothing Designer Wants to Dress Paris Hilton
A South Asian women's clothing designer wants to work with Paris Hilton...and help rehabilitate her image in the process.
Dressing Up Your Baby With Clothes From Room Seven Is Entertaining
Everybody gets so excited every time a baby is about to be born Thatýs not where the fun starts