Wedding
Untying The Knot Made unravels the many traditions surrounding marriage.
W
e are all familiar with the act of getting down on one knee, often as a gesture of respect, loyalty or even obedience, although we are not advocating you must obey your future wife or husband! Its exact origin is unknown but some say that it stems from the Middle Ages when a man would bend down for a woman he adored. Nowadays it is still common to get down on one knee to propose, and there’s a vulnerability and deep emotional connection that is still rather romantic.
faithfulness and loyalty, a tradition that stems from biblical times when blue represented purity. Another tradition, perhaps not so well known nowadays, is a “silver sixpence in your shoe”. Apparently it is said to bring the couple wealth and happiness during their life together. It was a sign that the bride’s father gave the couple his best wishes. We are not sure how far you can get on a six pence but it’s an endearing notion all the same. Of course there were business connotations as back in the day of arranged marriages the union would be seen as a business arrangement rather than one of love. In fact the couple weren’t even allowed to see one another before the big day.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue”
“Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” is an age-old Victorian rhyme, and another familiar and extremely popular tradition that few brides shy away from. The something old representing a link with the bride’s family or past, the something new represents good future and success in marital life, and the something borrowed reminds the bride that her family and friends will be there when help is needed. Finally the something blue symbolises
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Fast forward to now, and it’s seen as unlucky to see your other half on the morning of your wedding, but as your day now is likely to be one filled with joy and love rather than a convenient arrangement jury’s out on whether this is a tradition still worth upholding.
