Many couples adhere to various wedding superstitions, passed down through generations. One intriguing tradition is the prohibition on grooms viewing their bride’s wedding attire prior to the big day. The question remains: what lies behind this widespread custom? Delving into its history and significance may uncover surprising insights that shed light on the origins of this enduring wedding phenomenon.
What are the Most Unlucky Months for Weddings?
When it comes to planning your wedding, some people believe that the month you choose can have a significant impact on the success of your marriage. If you’re still deciding on a date, you may want to steer clear of May if you’re superstitious. According to ancient Roman lore, May was considered an unlucky month for weddings. This superstition dates back to the time of the Lemuria festival, where people would honor and mourn the dead.
The saying goes that ‘marry in May and you’ll surely regret it.’ While the origins of this belief are rooted in history, it’s up to each couple to decide what truly matters on their special day.
So, What is the Luckiest Month to Get Married?
The notion that June is a propitious month for nuptials stems from ancient Roman mythology. According to legend, Juno, the goddess who presides over this month, is said to bestow good fortune on newlyweds. This belief has endured through the centuries, with many couples still opting for June as their wedding month today. The phrase ‘Married in the month of roses – June – life will be one, long honeymoon!
‘ has become a popular saying, reflecting the widespread acceptance of June as the luckiest month to tie the knot.
What is Considered Good Luck for a Wedding?
For couples seeking a little extra good fortune on their special day, understanding wedding superstitions can be both fascinating and reassuring. Here are some of the most widely recognized wedding superstitions that many brides believe bring them prosperity and positivity as they embark on their new life together.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue
Despite being centuries-old, the notion that a bride should incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue into her wedding attire remains a ubiquitous tradition that many modern-day brides adhere to. This timeless superstition has been passed down through generations, with numerous brides-to-be receiving gifts that cater specifically to this enduring practice.
Wedding Veil to Protect
In ancient Roman culture, the origins of the tradition of a bride wearing a veil can be traced back to the city of Rome. According to folklore and popular belief, this practice is rooted in the idea that a bride’s face is shielded from malevolent spirits, thereby protecting her from evil influences. This superstition likely arose from the notion that a woman’s beauty could be seen as a temptation to these malevolent forces.
Flower Crown
In ancient Roman culture, the notion of donning a floral adornment on one’s wedding day was deeply rooted in superstition and symbolism. According to tradition, brides would wear a flower crown to ward off evil spirits, which were believed to be repelled by circular formations. This mystical thinking led to the widespread adoption of flower crowns as a popular wedding accessory, with the symbolic protection offered by the circle serving as an added bonus for the newlyweds.
Carry the Bride
The age-old practice of carrying the bride across the threshold on moving day has its roots in medieval superstition. The idea is rooted in a belief that evil spirits could enter the new home through the bride’s feet, making it crucial for the groom to take charge and escort her safely into their new life together.
Sugar Cube in Your Wedding Glove
As a symbol of good fortune and harmonious union, the tradition of placing a sugar cube in the wedding glove has been passed down through ancient Greek culture. This sweet gesture is believed to bring a dash of luck to the newlyweds’ matrimony, paving the way for a blissful married life ahead.
Pinch the Bride
In Egypt, a peculiar custom has been passed down through generations: the playful act of pinching the newlywed bride on her special day. This age-old tradition, rooted in ancient practices, continues to bring joy and laughter to families and friends gathered to celebrate the union.
Spiders in Your Wedding Dress
In traditional English folklore, the presence of a spider within one’s wedding attire is believed to be an auspicious sign. This notion might evoke feelings of dread among some brides-to-be, but for those who value such superstitions, it can serve as a welcome omen on their special day.
Rain on Your Wedding Day
Despite its origins in Hindu culture, where rain on one’s wedding day is believed to bring good fortune, this superstition still persists today. While it’s unlikely that any bride would intentionally wish for a torrential downpour, one can’t help but view the occasional spring shower as a welcome sign of good luck. Perhaps, then, the old adage takes on new meaning: even in an unpredictable world, there’s always room for a little extra positivity.
Wednesday Weddings
While some may claim that any day can be a great day to tie the knot, traditional English folklore suggests that Wednesday holds a special significance for newlyweds. Specifically, it’s believed that getting married on a Wednesday brings good fortune and prosperity to the couple.
Bells
In Irish culture, the tradition of bells ringing on a couple’s wedding day holds significant importance. According to local folklore, this ancient custom is believed to bring blessings for a harmonious union and a tranquil household in years to come. The gentle chimes are thought to purify the marriage, filling it with joy, love, and understanding. This age-old practice has been passed down through generations, serving as a reminder of the importance of unity and the power of love.
Crying on Your Wedding Day
Embracing the emotional highs of your special day, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed with joy and happiness, resulting in happy tears on your wedding day. In fact, this phenomenon is often seen as a blessing, indicating that you’ll have no more tears left to shed after the celebration. So go ahead, let those joyful tears flow, and cherish the memories of your perfect day!
Henna Bridal Makeup
As a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Islamic customs, the practice of applying henna to brides’ hands before marriage has been passed down through generations in the Middle East. In this region, it’s not uncommon for newlyweds-to-be to adorn their palms with intricate henna designs as a way to safeguard against the perceived evil eye. This long-standing ritual is often performed during Muslim wedding celebrations, serving as a symbolic and meaningful gesture of protection and good fortune.
Finnish Pillowcase Gifts
In the cultural traditions surrounding Finnish weddings, an intriguing custom has been passed down through generations. It’s believed that just before the big day, Finnish brides embark on a unique gift-gathering ritual, venturing from door to door with a pillowcase in hand. This practice is steeped in history and superstition, as the couple-to-be hopes to collect blessings, good fortune, and of course, generous gifts for their future life together.
Swedish Coin Tradition
In Sweden, a time-honored tradition surrounds the union of two people. As a symbol of good fortune and financial security, it’s customary for mothers to gift their daughters-to-be with a gold coin on their wedding day. Meanwhile, fathers bestow silver coins upon their soon-to-be-daughters-in-law. These precious tokens are then carefully placed in the bride’s shoes, serving as a tangible representation of wealth and prosperity as she begins her new life.
Breaking Glass
A poignant and symbolic custom among Jewish newlyweds is the breaking of glass, a ritual that serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of marriage. The act of shattering glass is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the union. Moreover, the number of pieces the glass breaks into holds significant meaning – it’s said to represent the number of years the couple will spend together.
Moroccan Milk Bath
In Morocco, a significant part of the pre-wedding rituals involves bathing. Specifically, it is customary for the bride-to-be to take a soak in a nourishing milk bath. This ancient practice serves two purposes: first and foremost, it provides a gentle cleansing before the big day, ensuring the bride feels refreshed and rejuvenated; secondly, it is believed that this ritual brings good fortune and prosperity to the newlyweds.
Holland’s Pine Tree Tradition
In the Netherlands, there’s an intriguing wedding superstition that involves giving or receiving a symbol of good fortune and fertility. According to tradition, couples are believed to reap the benefits of a bountiful union if they receive a pine tree as a gift from loved ones.
What is Considered Bad Luck for a Wedding?
While many people believe in the power of good omens on their special day, there’s a flip side to consider – a plethora of wedding superstitions that are thought to bring negative outcomes. From ancient customs to modern-day quirks, here are some popular beliefs that couples may want to avoid or be mindful of.
Saturday Weddings
While it’s believed that Saturdays are cursed when it comes to weddings, according to English traditions, this superstition hasn’t deterred couples from choosing this day. In fact, many couples opt for Saturday ceremonies since it allows them to share their special day with friends and family who may have weekend commitments.
Pearl Engagement Ring
When it comes to selecting accessories for your big day, some cultural symbols should be avoided, including pearls. In certain traditions and societies, pearls are believed to carry negative connotations and can even be seen as a symbol of bad luck. Given their potential to bring unwanted attention or energy to the wedding celebration, it’s generally advisable to steer clear of incorporating pearls into your bridal attire or jewelry.
First Look
For centuries, numerous ancient civilizations have subscribed to the notion that a groom’s exposure to his betrothed in her wedding attire prior to the ceremony can bring about unfavorable consequences. This superstition has been passed down through generations, with many cultures sharing a collective fear of jinxing the union by allowing the couple to catch a glimpse of each other before they officially tie the knot.
Set of Knives Wedding Gift
Avoid giving a newlywed couple kitchen tools, particularly knives, as a wedding gift. According to tradition, this gesture is thought to symbolize a troubled or even failing union. In essence, it’s perceived as a harbinger of divorce. The logic behind this notion likely stems from the idea that if a couple cannot even get along well enough to maintain a harmonious relationship in their own home, how can they possibly sustain a lifelong commitment to one another?
Using Your Married Name Before the Wedding
It’s generally recommended that you refrain from using your future married name prior to the wedding ceremony. According to superstition, doing so could potentially set a negative tone for your big day and bring about unforeseen challenges. To avoid any potential jinxing of your special moment, it’s best to wait until after the ‘I dos’ before making the official name change.
Stay Away From Nuns and Monks!
The notion that encountering a nun or a monk on one’s wedding day can bring about calamity has been passed down through generations. According to superstition, this chance encounter can result in not only unpropitious events but also a higher likelihood of being unable to bear children. The idea that such a seemingly innocent meeting could have such far-reaching consequences has captured the imagination and sparked curiosity among many.
Older Sister
A long-standing wedding tradition suggests that an unmarried older sister of the bride must take part in a peculiar ritual to guarantee her own marital bliss. This involves dancing barefoot, a seemingly innocuous act that has taken on significant cultural importance over the years. In essence, this quirky practice is rooted in the hope that by mirroring the bride’s joyous and carefree celebration, the older sister will unwittingly attract love and marriage into her own life.
Dropping the Ring
In the world of wedding superstitions, there’s a long-held belief that if the wedding ring is accidentally dropped during the ceremony, it can have far-reaching consequences for the couple’s future together. According to tradition, this mishap can serve as an ominous sign, potentially foreshadowing challenges or even doom in the marriage.
Whether it’s the groom, bride, officiant, or ring bearer who loses control of the ring, the resulting panic and scrambling to recover it often becomes a memorable moment for guests – but also serves as a nervous-making precursor to married life.
Clock Wedding Gift
In Chinese culture, there are certain gifts that are considered taboo when given to newlyweds. One such item is a clock, which is believed to bring negative energy and bad luck to the couple. This ancient superstition is rooted in the idea that time is not something to be celebrated or marked during this special period of their lives.
Peonies
While peonies are undoubtedly stunning and frequently featured in romantic arrangements, such as wedding bouquets, this beautiful flower holds a different significance in certain cultural contexts. In fact, in some societies, peonies are viewed as a symbol of shame, rather than the celebration of love and commitment that they often evoke.
Yellow Roses
In adhering to the customs of the Victorian era, a prevailing notion was that yellow roses held a peculiar significance – one that could potentially disrupt the harmony within a marriage. According to this tradition, including yellow roses in a bride’s bouquet could stir up feelings of jealousy among her partner, ultimately casting a shadow over their union.
This quaint yet intriguing practice serves as a reminder of the intricate social etiquette and symbolism that once governed wedding customs.
Wearing Red
In the world of wedding traditions and superstitions, one thing that’s often considered taboo is wearing red on your special day. According to ancient nursery rhymes, donning this particular hue can bring about some rather… unfortunate consequences. It’s said that if you wear red, you’ll be ‘wishing you were dead’ – a pretty stark warning! While it may seem like an old wives’ tale, many people still choose to play it safe and opt for different colors to ensure a happy and harmonious marriage.
Sewing Your Own Dress
As you embark on the creative journey of sewing your own dress, it’s worth noting that traditional wedding superstitions suggest that every stitch you make is equivalent to a tear you’ll potentially cry in the future. This may seem like an ominous warning, but for many brides-to-be, the act of creating their own dress is a labor of love that brings them closer to their partner and the special day ahead.
Putting On Your Whole Bridal Ensemble Before the Wedding
While it’s tempting to try everything on at once, it’s generally recommended to pace yourself and avoid putting all your eggs in one basket – or in this case, all your bridal attire on before the big day. Rushing into trying on every single piece can actually have unintended consequences, potentially affecting not just your wedding planning but also the dynamics of your future marriage.
Seeing a Pregnant Woman
In many cultural traditions, having a pregnant woman visit your home is believed to bring about negative consequences. While this notion may seem far-fetched to some, it’s essential to understand the significance of pregnancy in various societies. In certain belief systems, the presence of an expectant mother can be seen as a harbinger of impending misfortune, making it crucial to exercise caution and respect when hosting such a guest.
