Weddings Traditions

Karen Nesbitt

Did you know?

Here's what some of the world's best-known wedding traditions are thought to be founded on ...

• Because the Romans believed that the vein on the third finger runs directly to the heart, wedding bands are worn on that finger to indicate that the wedding vows are bound to love and life itself.

• From Scotland comes a source of the term "tying the knot," when the bride and groom would tear their wedding plaids (clan tartans) and tie the strips together to symbolize the unity of their two families.

• A honey wine called Bunratty Meade is from a recipe based on the oldest drink in Ireland and was consumed at weddings to promote virility. A couple would drink it from special goblets for a month (known as a "moon") following their wedding to protect them from fairies coming to spirit the bride away. This custom is said to have given us the word "honeymoon."

• Carrying the bride over the threshold is supposed to shield the bride from evil spirits hiding beneath it, and enable the groom to carry her to safety and happiness so they can embark upon their new life together.

• As a symbol of fertility, an ancient Roman bride would have a cake of wheat or barley broken over her head. Over time grew the tradition of stacking cakes, above which the couple had to kiss without knocking it over. If they succeeded, they were to be rewarded with a lifetime of good fortune.

• From medieval Italy came the custom of the diamond engagement ring, as it was believed that this gem was created by the "flames of love."

• Before the advent of perfume and deodorant, fragrant flowers and even spices were used in wedding decorations and arrangements to freshen the air and keep evil spirits at bay.

• The tradition of giving a toast came from France, where a small piece of toast was dropped in the couple's wine to wish them a life of good health.

References and Resources

http://www.topics-mag.com/internatl/weddings/wedding-customs.htm

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/10-5-2001-5067.asp

http://scottishwedding.visitscotland.com/scottishweddingtraditions

http://www.weddingdetails.com/lore/mexican.cfm#traditions

http://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Chinese_Wedding_Traditions

http://ourmarriage.com/html/belgium.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5583/the_traditions_of_a_spanish_wedding.html

http://www.polishamericancenter.org/Wedding.htm

http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-themes/multicultural-themes/guide-to-the-greek-orthodox-wedding-ceremony/

http://www.kissmegoodnight.com/wedding-tips/russian_wedding_traditions.shtml

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8284.asp