THE 5 MARRIAGE TRADITIONS
Explanation of the 5 wedding tradition
The Garter in History
The garter, symbol of the powers of shamanism, could date back to the Paleolithic period. In some cave paintings, we see dancers wearing garters. For some, there could even be a relationship between the Bride's Garter, fairies containing magical powers, and the Order of the Garter.
If in prehistory, it was a symbol of magical powers, the garter also denoted a high social rank in the ancient cult of witches. The myths have transformed it into a magic amulet, in all the legends and fairy tales where it appears.
In fact, the garter symbolizes mystery, and above all Virginity. Among the Hebrews, blue and white were said to be the colors symbols of love, purity, and fidelity. Future brides were therefore encouraged to wear a garter in these colors.
The Order of the Garter, the most important order of British chivalry, is the highest reward for loyalty and military merit. This order would be inspired by an incident which would have taken place, in the 14th century, while the king of England Edward III was dancing with the Countess of Salisbury.
The Countess' garter reportedly fell to the floor and after the king picked it up, he tied it to his own leg. The garter was a dark blue velvet ribbon, but also embroidered with gold roses and edged with gold chains. In this Order, it was worn by ladies on the left arm and by knights below the left knee.
Today, the tradition of the bride's garter "up for sale" stems from the fact that guests, had to participate, financially, at the start in the life of the newlyweds. Even if, over time, the average age of the bride and groom is changing significantly, previously younger spouses did not refuse financial assistance. Times having changed, it is true that at present the tradition of the garter is being lost a little...
When we get married, we unite for life for better or for worse. Hence the name “alliance” given to this ring exchanged during marriage.
The alliance, and the engagement ring (engagement ring only for women), are traditionally worn on the left ring finger. According to an ancient Egyptian legend, she is placed on the path of the "Vena Amoris" ("Vein of Love") leads straight to the heart...
In the 17th century, on the occasion of a Christian marriage, the priest officiated during this ceremony, after having touched, one after the other, the first three fingers of the left hand (In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). Then came the fourth finger, the ring finger. He chooses it as a place for the alliance.
Wedding rings are still pretty plain these days. It can be in yellow gold, white gold, silver, and sometimes set with precious stones.
The throwing of rice at the exit of the church symbolizes prosperity and fertility for the newlyweds. It goes back to a very ancient pagan rite of throwing seeds at newlyweds. These seeds whose strength and especially fertility would thus be automatically transmitted to them… Nowadays, confetti and other petals, in addition to their significant visual effect, also have the reputation of keeping “evil spirits” away from young spouses.
The word "veil" is more often used to refer to a grieving woman. This tradition is gradually being lost, some brides still arrive "veiled" to the front of the church altar.
The tradition of the veil will come from the time where the man passed a sheet over the head of a woman chosen to kidnap her. This "custom" it would be after transformed to become a habit to hide the face of the bride. And this until the spouses were officially engaged. Thus, physical criteria should not be taken into account for marriage.
At the end of the ceremonies, the bride who wears a tulle veil, cuts it into fairly long ribbons. She distributes them to the single women present, as a token of their upcoming marriage.
Some Symbols
The word "veil" is more often used to refer to a grieving woman. This tradition is gradually being lost, some brides still arrive "veiled" to the front of the church altar. The tradition of the veil will come from the time where the man passed a sheet over the head of a woman chosen to kidnap her. This "custom" it would be after transformed to become a habit to hide the face of the bride. And this until the spouses were officially engaged.
Thus, physical criteria should not be taken into account for marriage. At the end of the ceremonies, the bride who wears a tulle veil, cuts it into fairly long ribbons.
She distributes them to the single women present, as a token of their upcoming marriage.
Flowers
Daisies and Roses:
In the Middle Ages, when the hand of a young lady was requested, this woman could wear a crown of daisies. This indicated that she was taking the time to consider the request. A wreath of roses indicated that she accepted the request of her future husband.
Colors
White symbolizes virginity, blue symbolizes fidelity, gray symbolizes distant travels. Green symbolizes modesty, black symbolizes refusal of marriage, and yellow symbolizes adultery.
Ivy symbolizes attachment and eternal love. This stems from its evergreen foliage and its propensity to attach itself strongly to where it grows.
something blue - something borrowed - something old
This tradition originated in late 19th century England.
– The “old” element characterizes the family bond of the bride and her life until marriage. For this, it is often an old heirloom that is chosen.
– The “new” element characterizes success and success for the life to come. For this, it is often the wedding dress that is chosen.
– The “borrowed” element characterizes luck and happiness for the future married couple. This is an accessory that has already been worn, on her wedding day, by a happy and fulfilled bride, which is chosen.
– The “blue” element characterizes fidelity and purity in the couple. A discreet accessory (handkerchief) is chosen.