Something old, something new…..
Everyone knows “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, but few are aware of the last line – “and a silver sixpence in your shoe”.
Something Old… This is thought to refer to the Bride’s old life and her family. Though she is signifying leaving them behind by wearing something old, she is showing that she still remembers them. Also thought to be linking her to the other women in her family by carrying one of their heirloom possessions.
Something New… Wearing something new represents the hopeful success and good fortune in the Bride’s new life. Also thought to represent fertility of the mind and of the relationship.
Something Borrowed… Borrowing an item already worn by a happy Bride is believed to pass on the good luck. You can also borrow from anyone special to you if you follow the supposition that the act of borrowing signifies a support group in times of need.
Something Blue… Blue is a sign of purity and of good health. This follows the long tradition of Brides being pure on their wedding day and their commitment to their future husbands.
And A Silver Sixpence… This represents wealth – not just financial wealth, but spiritual wealth, happiness and good luck throughout their married life. sometimes represented in the pagan traditions by Flax, Fodder and Food. Signs of abundance.
Rings ‘n’ Things
Why do we exchange rings? Why are certain objects lucky? Etc. Etc.
My Great-Uncle back in England was a good old-fashioned brush-toting Chimney Sweep. Somewhat surprisingly a good portion of his income was earned at weddings. All he had to do was show up, covered in soot, and shake hands with guests as they were leaving, and of course Kiss the Bride.
We believe The tradition stems from when King George III reigned. The King’s horses ran out of control and a chimney sweep stepped in to save him. The King proclaimed, by Royal Decree, all sweeps were good luck bearers and should be treated with respect. Chimney sweeps can also be linked with early pagan wedding rituals wherein the colour black symbolises fertility.
The Honeymoon
Honeymoon derives from honey the base for mead which the Bride would drink as it was believed to increase fertility and moon where it was believed that to marry on a full moon would bring good fortune to both families.
Engagement and Rings
The tradition of getting engaged dates back to when a Groom would choose a hard working girl, grab her, and ride off with her before her father could stop him. Heartbreaking for the father who had spent time and money rearing a good worker for the family! Over time the situation evolved whereby the father was entitled to demand payment for his valuable asset – he would give the groom a set time to pay, hence engagement.
The ring arrived as part payment, and demonstrated the groom’s willingness to pay.
Rev Deborah Ashe 