Something blue...

Listen here: 

"Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in your shoe…"

Here is a poem from the Victorian Era that every English-speaking bride knows by heart: the list of all the things that she needs on her wedding day to follow the tradition and be lucky. And today, we are going to discover what they mean.

There are indeed many interesting facts about weddings that many people don't know about. To have something old on your wedding represents the continuity between the bride and her family and community: her maiden name is going to change but it doesn't mean that she'll lose her identity and family history. There is a variety of objects that could work as her "something old", such as a vintage garter, her grandmother's veil, a locket with a family picture, a brooch, etc.

The "something new" represents the future of the new bride and groom. It symbolizes new beginnings and living together forever happily married. It can be a wedding dress, new makeup, new shoes, fresh flowers, or even the key to a new house.

"Something borrowed" means the everlasting support of family and friends for the new couple. Normally, the borrowing is supposed to be between the bride and a happily married woman. Examples of borrowed things are a grandmother's cake recipe, a sister's shoes, a mother's earrings, etc.

"Something blue" is symbolic of purity, loyalty, faithfulness, everlasting love and fidelity in the new marriage. Traditionally, all English-fashioned wedding dresses have a hidden blue thread. However, it could also be blue flowers, blue polish-nail, blue shoes, a blue garter, blue jewelry or even blue bridesmaids dresses.

Finally, the sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity throughout the marriage. This one is mainly a British custom.

That's it: now you know a bit more about English traditions! 

What about you? What are the wedding good luck charms in your country?

Did the Duchess of Cambridge have a blue garter under her  wedding dress? 

Adapted from http://castlecatering.net/vintage-traditions-for-the-modern-wedding-infographic/#.UpO8NKW-z9K