Wedding Legends and Lore

The Marriage of two people

has been a part of human existence from the beginning of documented time.

When you take a moment to find out how and where wedding traditions come from, it is amazing to see just how old some of them are.

Equally as amazing is how they were intended to be used.

Saying "I do" With Flowers

Did you ever wonder why brides carry flowers?

They didn't always, you know, originally herbs were more common. Historians tell us that the early Roman Brides used to carry herbs as a symbol of fidelity and consistency! The Greeks carried Ivy to announce the unbreakable bonds of love. Brides from many cultures used to carry pungent herbs, like garlic to ward off evil spirits that might harm the couple.

The ancient Greeks are credited with the first recorded use of wedding flowers; it was more common to use herbs in a bridal bouquet than it is today. Bridal bouquets were originally formed from interwoven garlands and wreaths which were placed on the heads of both bride and groom. Herbs such as Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) were common in the bridal crowns of Greek brides, as well as other herbs, bulbs and garlic.

Many herbs were believed to have magical powers to ward off evil spirits and bad luck and were used to protect the future of the bridal couple. Dill (Anethum graveolens) was said to be the herb of lust and a bride would only lust after her husband if she carried Dill and garlic together; Sage (Salvia officinalis) was believed to be a herb of wisdom and the bride who carried Sage and garlic together was believed to learn goodness and gather great wisdom.

A Kissing Knot was made from tying Roses (Rosa damascena) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) together; it was then hung from the ceiling over the head table of the reception, where the bride and groom would sit. A kissing knot was believed to bring love and good luck to both the bridal couple and others sitting at the head table.

Another ancient wedding tradition was the throwing of confetti over the bridal couple. Confetti means sweets in the Italian language but it w as common to throw rice, grain, nuts and sweets as well as more traditional flower petals as confetti; the throwing of confetti was meant to symbolize good luck, fertility, riches and sweet experiences for the bridal couple.

In Medieval times, a knight usually wore a Lady's colors to declare his love for her; many flowers have been used in different countries to symbolize various meanings. In Victorian England, flowers in bridal bouquets were chosen with reference to the Victorian language of flowers. Another common English tradition was for a flower girl to precede the bride on the pathway to the church, scattering flower blossoms; this was said to bless the bride with a lifetime of happiness and flowers.

In India, the bride groom's brother scattered flower petals over the bridal couple at the end of the wedding ceremony to ward off evil spirits. In Sweden, the bride groom traditionally carried Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) in his pockets and the bridesmaids carried bouquets of aromatic herbs to scare away any trolls

Over the years herbs gave way to flowers and were used as a symbol of fertility.

Each flower symbolizes a special trait or meaning. During the Victorian Era flowers were used as a sort of secret language to convey a persons thoughts or feelings about another.  See our Meaning of Flowers page to see what your favorite flowers mean.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun wedding facts from various other websites

Queen Victoria started the Western world's white wedding dress trend in 1840 -- before then, brides simply wore their best dress

Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century

Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!

Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny -- it's the most popular day of the week to marry!

from The Knot - Wedding Traditions, Superstitions, Facts & Trivia

Some Cultural Traditions

Italian traditions: To ward off evil eye, the groom would carry a piece of iron in his pocket on his wedding day, since his happy situation might provoke envy, and invite supernatural danger. (As well the bride wore a veil to ward of evil) Tearing the veil was considered good luck.

Germany: For good luck the bride would carry salt and bread in her pocket to ensure bounty; the groom would carry grain for wealth and good fortune.

French: Two-handled cup. To toast the couple's marriage.

from Wedding Traditions by Tina