I love you, three words, eight letters, and so much meaning behind them. Connection, healing, embracing imperfections, affection, pleasure, transcending barriers, forgiveness, compromises, and loyalty are all part of the beauty of loving. There is nothing more special in this world than two people who love each other and decide to unite their destinies, as they are ready to share joys and sorrows for eternity. (Unless they are getting a divorce, but let's stay hopeful!) However, a wedding usually is a collective experience that comes with a set of rituals and superstitions according to each country's culture. This article aims to give you a little more perspective on superstitions and rituals, as there are certain things you should probably know before your big day.
Why do people believe in superstitions?
Even though humans are capable of consistent rational decision-making and the fruits of science are all over the place, superstitions are still the main reason many buildings don't have a 13th floor, choosing to label it 14A or 12B instead. The impact of number 13 is so significant that airlines, such as Lufthansa and Air France, don't have a 13th row. The sensitivity of human beings to coincidences and the desire to exert control over the unpredictable are indeed psychological processes that can result in superstitions. A study was conducted at the University of Singapore, where some participants were given a pen and were told it served as a lucky charm for others in the past, while others received a pen with no such commentary. Those who received the ''lucky'' pen confessed they believed more in themselves, and it helped them complete the tasks involved easier. The trick about superstitions is they make you have faith in something, but it's a double-edged sword, as it can happen to believe in the wrong things. Symbolically, they determine people into thinking they are shaping their destiny, which can reduce anxiety and offer the illusion of strength. Moreover, the cultural, regional, and ethnic contexts in which every individual is embedded heavily influence the culture of superstitions. To understand the world better, each human being uses various approaches that are strongly related to personal experiences and perspectives.
Why do traditions still hold a place in modern life?
In the rush of modern living, traditions are like a glue that holds us together and engenders a sense of belonging. They are passed down through generations and remind us of our roots and core values. Let's see what exactly made them so powerful until the present days:
Sharing knowledge: There are certain things in life we cannot find in books, so we should never doubt the values and knowledge of those who came before.
Symbols of identity: In a world full of technological improvements, traditions anchor us in time and instill a sense of connection with our ancestors and family's history. They also provide moments of mindfulness and reflection, reminding us what truly matters in life.
Sense of belonging: It is fundamentally human to feel the need to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Most of the time, we communicate through phone texts, even with our closest ones, so traditions allow us to create beautiful memories and deepen bonds among family members.
Wedding superstitions
Despite the promotion of critical thinking and science education, wedding superstitions stand the test of time, so let's find out more about them:
Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue - According to this superstition, brides should wear something old to cherish their past, something new to honor the happy future, something borrowed from someone who has a beautiful marriage, hoping that person's fortune bestows upon them, and something blue because it stands for love and fidelity.
Seeing each other before the wedding - Everyone associates this with bad luck, but very few of them know this superstition was born a long time ago and has misogynistic roots. People believed that seeing the bride before the vows may interfere with the groom's perception of her, leading him to think she was not attractive and to back out.
Catching the bouquet"βThe bride's bouquet symbolizes fertility and good fortune, so whoever catches it is supposedly getting married next. The toss of the bouquet comes from England, where female guests were desperate to attract good luck.
Carrying the bride over the threshold - As a protection spell against evil spirits, the groom carries the bride across the threshold when she enters the home for the first time.
Breaking glass "β The symbolic meaning behind this superstition is that the more pieces of glass, the more years of happiness waiting for the newlyweds.
Getting married on a weekday - According to an ancient Celtic poem, couples should avoid getting married on a Saturday.
Clothes as spiritual safeguarding - Choosing the same colour and style for bridesmaid dresses and bridal gowns happened very often in Ancient Time to confuse evil spirits and it is a practice that's gaining popularity again.
Burying the Bourbon "β According to southern folklore, you should bury the Bourbon upside down a month before the wedding and dig it up after the ceremony for celebration to ensure rain will not ruin your big day. However, rain is considered a symbol of renewal in other cultures, so cheating on the natural course of things is not necessary.
Fascinating wedding traditions
It would be impossible to cover them all, as there are so many, and each one of them is exquisitely fascinating, but let's explore at least a few:
In Celtic, Hindu, and Egyptian weddings, the couple's hands are tied together with rope to symbolize their spiritual and physical unity. This also happens in Mexican, Filipino, and Latino communities.
During Christian ceremonies, the bride stays to the groom's left, as in the past, the groom used his right hand to fight with potential suitors.
Pre-wedding rituals in Morocco are all about the bride's comfort. The day before her wedding, she is treated like a future queen. She has a whole spa day for herself and her dearest friends including massages, skincare treatments, perfume prep, and so on.
Peruvian weddings have another version of the bouquet toss. The wedding cake has several layers secured with ribbons embellished with charms. One of the charms is a fake wedding ring, and the woman who pulls out the ring is the next to marry.
During Russian and Romanian weddings, the bride is jokingly kidnapped by her friends, and the groom must pay to get her back: Cash, Champagne, and Chocolate are accepted!
An INTERESTING FACT you probably never thought of: The whole process of making the perfect invitations and sending them originated to ensure the groom and the bride were not relatives.
Final Words
From the Romans who studied pig entrails to determine the perfect wedding day to the Celtics who didn't plan weddings on Saturdays, superstitions and rituals are popular worldwide and the chances of ever living in a world without them are almost nonexistent. If you are about to get married, enjoy your big day and embrace all the rituals that come with it, as it is an experience that will bring a smile to your face, even when you're 90 years old.
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