Throughout the centuries, weddings from all types of backgrounds and cultures have shared one common element. Each of them has a tradition, or superstition depending on how you look at it, of providing a good luck charm. I will not get into a deep analysis of various cultural wedding traditions; this article will provide a list of commonly used good luck charms and their descriptions.
Bell Ringing – whether they are large church bells or smaller hand bells, the concept is the same. The ringing is believed to cast away evil spirits and restore harmony.
Lucky Horseshoe – this tradition is to provide good luck throughout the marriage. The horseshoe is carried in the “up” position, so the luck will never run out. Then after the wedding it is placed in the home for continued luck.
Lucky Sixpence in your shoe – the silver sixpence was believed to have healing powers that could be passed on when worn near the body. It has later been attributed to represent the brining of wealth to newlyweds.
Something Blue – the color blue represents fidelity and constancy, it was needed to have a successful marriage. Therefore, an item of blue should be worn by the bride. It originated in Israel, when young brides would wear blue ribbons in their hair. It has now evolved into anything blue that can be worn.
Rice Throwing – the use of rice dates back to European royalty. It was used to shower the couple with fertility and prosperity. (Unfortunately, today many ceremony sites will not allow this tradition, for the damage it causes to the local wildlife.)
Bouquet Toss – the bouquet is tossed after the ceremony and whoever catches is said to be the next to marry. This belief is derived from the idea that items of the brides were lucky and she would be passing on this luck to whoever caught her flowers.
Cake Charms – this tradition dates back to Victoria England. Six different silver charms were placed under the cake attached to ribbons that lay around the perimeter of the cake. Each bridesmaid would pull a ribbon and reveal the charm. (This was done before the couple cut the cake.) Each charm has a different meaning.
BIO: Kristi Richardson has created more than 12,000 floral arrangements in her years as a professional bridal/event consultant and silk floral designer. Visit www.BloomedToLast.com to learn more tips, see floral examples or to sign up for Kristi’s free and informative monthly e-newsletter.
