Something borrowed, something blue
The famous wedding rhyme dates back from the Old English rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.”
These objects were considered necessary for brides to incorporate into their wedding dresses or carry with them on their wedding day, with the belief that they would bring good and happy marriages. This reportedly dates back to the Victorian era from Lancashire, a county in England, signifying a fresh beginning, and hopes for a happy marriage. The oldest written reference is in an 1871 issue of St. James Magazine.
- Something Old is meant to represent the best of a couple’s non-married life and the intention to bring that into their marriage. This often includes a piece of jewelry that would have been previously worn by the bride’s mother, grandmother, or aunt.
- Something New, being that of the new life the couple will be starting together, and includes everything from new clothing to an accessory.
- Something Borrowed is a bit more superstitious. This would be an item borrowed from someone who is happily married and, therefore, passing on that good luck. It could be anything from a necklace, bracelet or even a hair clip.
- Something Blue is a colour that is known to be representative of “fidelity and love’s purity.” It was also a popular colour to wear prior to the white wedding dress trend. Tavares says it’s meant to represent an item to “baffle the evil eye.” This could be the garter, or even shoes.
- A sixpence in your shoe dates back to the Victorian times, where the father of the bride would place a sixpence into the brides left shoe, symbolizing good luck, longevity and prosperity for her life. This one seems to have slipped away from many modern day weddings, but some grooms have had cufflinks featuring coins to subtly carry on the tradition.
Wedding traditions are best celebrated in gorgeous venues, surrounded by your loving family and friends. The themes may vary from wedding to wedding, but the tradition remains the same and keeps us connected to the past, in addition to building memories of the present. And at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, the event planners & coordinators make sure that these traditions turn into lasting memories that are cherished for a lifetime. If Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is your venue of choice, then contact them via www.grannymouse.co.za to create your memorable wedding moments!