Why do we do that? Part one

Just a few weeks ago I attended a Bridal shower for my soon-to-be Cousin. At the shower we played a great game called "Why do we do that." Many wedding traditions originated from superstitions and folktales. So we were asked to match the custom with the original superstition.

There were 18 so here are the first 9. You can find the second half on this Fridays blog.

1. Designating a specific ring finger was because, it contains the vein of love.

2. The Bride wears a veil because it wards off evil spirits by disguising the Bride

3. The Bride wears a white gown because it proves the Brides worthiness.

4. Serving wedding cake to guests is so that guests can collect crumbs as a token of good luck.

5. Cutting the wedding cake together symbolizes the couples shared future.

6. The Bride stands on the left of the groom, so he can defend his bride, his right arm must be free.

7. The Bride carries a bouquet because the strong smell wards off evil spirits.

8. The groom wears a boutonniere so he is wearing his ladies colors to display his love.

9. The wedding party dresses alike, to confuse evil spirits about who is really getting married

Interesting isnt it...come back friday for the final 9.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Here is the traditional list of gifts that can be given to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Most couples do not follow this anymore but it is really interesting. You would have to be pretty creative to find gifts for some of these years!! But it would be fun!!

Year
1. Paper
2. Cotton
3. Leather
4. Silk
5. Wood
6. Iron
7. Copper or Wool
8. Electric Appliances
9. Pottery
10.Tin or Aluminum
11. Steel
12. Linen
13. Lace
14. Ivory
15. Crystal or Glass
20. China
25. Silver
30. Pearls
35. Coral and Jade
40. Ruby
45. Sapphire
50. Gold
55. Emerald
60, 70, 75. Diamond

Something Blue

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

We have all heard this poem and most brides still follow the tradion. But what does it really mean? Here is the history behind the poem:

Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride.

"Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past.

"Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead.

"Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.

"Something blue", blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the color.

And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. It may date back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for weddings.