Wedding Myths
Wedding myths have been passed down through many generations. The origins of some of these myths have been lost in time. Some myths bring you good luck, others bad luck, though it is not always obvious which ones are which. Below we have listed some myths surrounding your wedding day:
Do not sign your married name before the wedding
It is considered bad luck for the bride to sign her married name or monogram before the wedding as it tempts fate, and the wedding will not happen. It might be wise to leave your monogram as décor for your reception and registry.
The bride cannot make her own wedding dress
For every stitch of the wedding dress the bride sews herself she will shed one tear during her marriage.
Wedding dress colour
White – you have chosen right
Blue – your lover is true
Pink – your fortunes will sink
Green – you will not long be seen
Red – you’ll wish you were dead
Yellow – ashamed of the fellow
Brown – you’ll live out of town
Grey – you’ll live far away
Black – you’ll wish you were back.
Wearing pearls
Depending on your culture, pearls represent either future tears and are a bad sign, or for others the wearing of pearls takes the place of the bride’s real tears, indicating that she will have a happy, tear-free wedded life.
The Wedding Day
Monday for health,
Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday’s the best of all.
Thursday brings crosses,
And Friday losses,
But Saturday – no luck at all.
On the way to the church
It is fortunate for a bride to meet a lamb, a dove, a spider, or a black cat on her way to church. It is also considered good luck if she sees a policeman, clergyman, doctor or a blind man.
Bad luck is due if on the way to the church the bride sees a nun, or a monk, as the myth is she will be cursed with a barren life, dependent on charity.
Dropping the wedding ring
This is a contradictory wedding myth. The positive myth is that dropping the wedding ring during the ceremony shakes out the evil spirits. The negative is that whoever drops the ring is said to be the first to die.
Throw away all veil pins
The custom of wearing a veil comes from a fear of the evil spirits jealous of a brides happiness. Wearing a veil down the aisle disguises the bride from these spirits, protecting her from any ill-will they may bring upon her. Another myth is that a bride should throw away every pin when removing veil, or she will be unlucky.
Knives as wedding gifts
According to myth, a knife symbolises a broken relationship so you may want to look at other wedding gifts. If knives are on your registry, make sure to give the gift giver a coin in exchange, that way, knives are considered a purchase.
Ringing bells
Bells are traditionally rung at Irish weddings to keep evil spirits away, and to guarantee a harmonious family life. Some Irish brides carry small bells in their bouquets as a reminder of their sacred wedding vows. Bells are also common as wedding gifts.
Breaking glass
Some wedding gifts may not last long if they are a vase or glass. In Italy, many newly-weds smash a vase or glass at their wedding with as much force as possible. The number of pieces, once smashed, will show how many years the couple will be happily married.
