Live Life Team
The ancient but familiar verse “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” has become the basis for some of the Western world’s most well-known wedding traditions. If the instructions of the words were not carried out, bad luck would follow the couple from the wedding day on. Most couples choose not to break with tradition and spend the time collecting all the required bits and pieces.
But there is a deeper meaning to the words. The wearing of something old is thought to represent continuity. Family heirlooms, perhaps a bit of lace from a favourite dress, your grandmother’s scarf or a necklace from your mother are all great choices. The wedding band or perhaps a new piece of clothing can serve for the something new, signifying future hopes. The something borrowed is usually contributed by one of the bride’s happily married friends. The borrowed object symbolises happiness and must be returned to be effective. Blue was the colour of purity in olden days. Before white became the traditional colour for wedding dresses, blue was the choice of the day. Now any bit of blue worn, pinned or carried will do.
It is also considered a tradition for the groom to wear a flower from the bride’s wedding bouquet. The knights of Old England are the creators of this wedding custom. Before riding off to slay the dragons or compete in a tournament, a knight would ask his sweetheart for a scarf or handkerchief that he could tuck inside his armour for good luck.
