Understanding The Facts: Five Wedding Traditions Explained

Written by Randolph Quan

Tuesday, 20 October 2009 08:48

by RandolphQuan

Why wear your ring on your left hand? Why something old, new, borrowed and blue? Wedding traditions from across the globe don't make a whole lot of sense for the uninformed. Lucky for you, we've got a list of wedding traditions unveiled, so you can explain your less-knowledgeable aunt why people are throwing rice as you leave the church (or blowing bubbles, for those concerned about birds).

The ring finger: Engagement and wedding rings are typically worn on the left hand because that finger was once thought to contain the "vein of love," a vein that led directly to the heart. But did you know that in some countries, such as Spain, Germany, Greece and Russia, couples wear their wedding rings on their right hand?

Something old: You know the saying. But what does it mean? Let's break it down: In wearing something old, the bride symbols continuity from the past. Something new symbolizes the birth of the marriage.

A bride should wear something borrowed from a woman in a happy marriage in hopes that the happiness will rub off on her, and then something blue because it symbolizes purity, fidelity and love. In some countries, including England, a sixpence is stuck in the bride's shoe because it is said to bring luck to the couple.

Throwing rice: Rice symbolizes wealth and fertility. By throwing it at the newly married, the guests are showing their hopes of an abundance of blessings. Most people blow bubbles these days as to not hurt any wild animals (and less cleanup).

Why light a candle? A unity candle is often lit by either the bride and the groom or two members from their family, symbolizing the joining of the two families as one. Sometimes couples choose to instead have a sand ceremony, where they pour two different vials of sand into one container.

Tie the knot? This strange synonym for getting married is derived from the cultures of the world, including Hindu and Egyptian, that literally tie the hands of the bride and groom together to symbolize the binding marriage.

About the Author:

Randolph Quan promotes a wedding photographers London, and advises people on awedding photographer blog at his website.