Origins of Popular Wedding Traditions

A lot of the wedding traditions we mostly enjoy in celebrating had their own origins. Most of us do not even know that we are incorporating traditions in our wedding, until someone says that it is part of a long tradition. Every country has their own tradition with weddings and we are also glad that we have our own unique ways in celebrating our unions. Other couples are even incorporating their own wedding traditions or own family traditions to blend in with their wedding.

Here are just some wedding traditions you may find interesting:

1. The bridal shower. The bridal shower started during the 1800's. This started when a poor miller fell in love with a rich maiden. The father of the woman did not approve of the union and refused to provide a dowry for her daughter. The story continued with the bride's friends generous gifts and €showered€ her with so many gifts that she could go on without her father's dowry.

2. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Old means a personal gift that a mother passes to her daughter or even a symbolic piece of wisdom about married life. New means, the new family that the couple is creating, borrowed comes from a happily married woman that would give the bride some of her marital bliss. When it comes to blue, it has two meanings. The one comes from ancient Roman maidens who wore blue on the borders of their robes that means love, fidelity and modesty. Christians on the other hand link blue with the purity of Mary.

3. The Anglo Saxon days created the position where the couples are placed. During those days the groom had to be attentive for would-be kidnappers and placed the bride at his left side, allowing him to draw his sword just in case. The best warrior in the tribe would also stand beside him to defend the bride, which would signify the position of the best man. We are not certain if this started the giving of groomsmen gifts though.

4. When it comes to the saying €tie the knot,€ this literally means that the bride together with her beautiful wedding jewelry set wore a girdle that was tied in many knots. This was done during the early Roman era, where the groom's duty was to untie her.

5. The groom carrying the bride. During the early days the bride had to be carried by the groom because she was or probably pretending to be reluctant to enter the bedroom. During those days, it was considered normal to be hesitant during the honeymoon. Another belief was that that bride should be carried over the threshold to protect her from any evil spirits around her.