Over the threshold with a bell of confetti!

Many people know of customs that are part of “traditional” weddings but do you know where these traditions come from? From the throwing of confetti to the giving of favours, many of these wedding customs are symbolic and have been passed on from generation to generation.

Wedding coordinator Vickie Cook from Weddings By Vickie is often asked by clients and their families the history behind the traditions "Couples often ask me if they 'have' to have 5 almonds as favours or if they can have something other than the traditional tiered wedding cake. It is often helpful if I explain the history behind the tradition and then they can decide if they wish to follow it or not"

There are many customs which affect what the bride wears. Dating back to Victorian times there is the rhyme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe!”

The bride should carry something old as a link to her family and her old life. Something new is to represent good fortune and success in her new life. Wearing something borrowed gives her good luck and is often an item worn by a happy bride at her wedding. The introduction of something blue dates back to biblical times when blue was considered the colour of purity and fidelity. Finally having a silver sixpence in the brides’ left shoe is a symbol of wealth both financial and wealth of happiness and joy in her married life.

Ever wondered why the bride has to stand on the left of the groom? This tradition goes back to the days when the groom would get his bride by kidnapping her! If he had to fight off other men who wanted her for their bride, he would have his right hand free to use his sword. Luckily this isn’t something many grooms have to worry about today!

The wedding tradition of the groom wearing a buttonhole originates in medieval times when a knight wore his lady's colours (through flowers) as a statement of his love. In addition to adorning the bride with flowers to promote good luck and good health flower meanings allow the bride to express her feelings for the groom.

After the marriage ceremony, traditionally the happy couple would be showered with grain to wish upon them a “fruitful” union, it was believed the fertility of the seeds would be transferred to the couple on whom they fell. The word confetti comes from the same root word as confectionery in Italian – describing grain and nuts coated in sugar thrown over newly weds in the same way, coloured paper has become in inexpensive substitute in modern times.

The tradition of ringing bells dates back to the ancient Britons, who believed that a monumental event, such as a wedding, made one vulnerable to evil spirits. Bells were rung throughout the wedding to scare away these spirits. In some cultures the guests will ring a bell during the reception and the bride and groom have to share a kiss. This can make it rather difficult to eat if your guests do this regularly!

The symbolic history of the wedding cake is relatively forgotten today. The ancient Greeks threw cakes at the newly married couple, just like we throw confetti today. In Roman times, cakes made of flour, salt and water would firstly be shared by the bride and groom, which was thought to promise the couple a life of plenty, in both children and happiness. The remainder was then broken over the bride's head. The guests, believing they would share in the blessing it symbolised, would rush forward to get a piece for themselves.

The tiered, iced, traditional wedding cakes that we see today are based on the unusual shape of the spire of St Bride's church in London.

Many couples still choose to give their guests 5 almonds as a favour to thank their guests for joining them, but why 5 almonds? The use of almonds it is believed comes from a Greek legend. A man called Demophon, fell in love with a Tracian princess Phyllis. Before the couple were due to marry, Demophon had to travel to Athens for the funeral of his father. He promised to return quickly but he didn’t return until 3 months later. Phyllis was convinced she would never see him again and hanged herself. The Gods, touched by her love, transformed her into an almond tree. Demophon offered a sacrifice to the tree, declaring his undying love and in response the almond tree blossomed. Therefore impetuous youth and undying love were symbolised by the almond.

The 5 almonds symbolise health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. It was also written in 77AD by the Greek philosopher Pliny that eating almonds would prevent drunkenness, therefore it could have been a way of ensuring the celebrations didn’t get out of hand!

There are a number of possible explanations of why the groom should stagger across the threshold carrying his new bride! The first was to protect the bride from evil spirits thought to be lying in wait under the threshold. Another relates to Roman times when it was thought that if the bride stumbled when entering the newlyweds home for the first time it would bring bad luck and harm to their marriage, so being carried would prevent this from happening. We’re not sure what happens if the groom stumbles while carrying the bride!!!

These are the common explanations behind the traditions but of course there are often other reasons why these are followed. With an institution as old as marriage there are bound to be many more to come!