The Fascinating Origins Behind ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue’

Infinity Hospitality — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:40:07 +0000

WEDDING TRADITIONS

Something Old Something New Something Borrowed and Something Blue

For centuries, brides and grooms alike have included age-old traditions into their wedding day, and we love diving a little deeper into some of the most popular wedding traditions. This month, we’re looking into the history of having something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue on your wedding day.

We’ve explored the history of the bridal bouquet and the flower girl, but what was the meaning behind these four “lucky” items? Let’s find out!

Where it All Began

The tradition comes from an Old English rhyme that originated in 19th century England.The rhyme describes the items a bride should wear on her wedding day for good luck. The earliest recorded reference is in the 1871 short story “Marriage Superstitions, and the Miseries of a Bride Elect” in St James’ Magazine.

It reads: “On the wedding day I must wear something; new, something; borrowed, something; blue.”

The next recorded version was in an 1876 edition of the Staffordshire Advertiser. It reported a bride “wore, according to ancient custom, something old and something new, something borrowed and blue.”

It later became “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.”

However, “a sixpence in your shoe” is often dropped today because this British sterling coin is no longer produced. But if you’re into the meaning of prosperity linked to it, I’m sure you could hunt one down!

Meaning Behind It

So now that we know where the saying originated, but what does it all mean?

As with many wedding traditions, like the flower girl and their bouquets of herbs, the items were originally worn to promote fertility and ward off evil. According to William Crooke’s “The Wooing of Penelope” published in an 1898 volume of Folk-lore, “something old” and “something blue” were worn to confuse the evil eye and prevent the bride from being cursed and barren. Similarly, “something borrowed” was supposed to be an undergarment from a woman who had already been blessed with children to encourage fertility.

Over the centuries the meaning behind the rhyme has evolved. “Something old” is a representation of ties to the past, and “something new” is for a hopeful future. It is also thought “something borrowed” should come from a happily married friend or relative to bring good luck for the union. And “something blue” is to, of course, ward off evil, but the color blue also serves as a symbol of purity, calmness, and commitment.

Traditionally, all items are to be given by family and friends of the bride and groom so that each item is given with love and pure intentions. However, “something new” can be given by the groom!

Photo by Molly Peach, Rachelle Baggett, and Details Nashville

How to Incorporate the Tradition

Looking for ways to incorporate this tradition into your own wedding? We’ve got you.

If you’re looking for something old, there are a variety of options, so get creative with this throwback piece. You can do anything from wearing a piece of vintage jewelry, incorporating old fabrics into your dress, wearing your grandmother's original dress like Jenny, or paying tribute to a loved one by placing an old photo in your bouquet.

As for something new, this one is easy! You can justify your dress, florals, rings, or any new item holding importance on your wedding day as your “something new,” but this could also be the wedding gift from your groom or bridal party like a bracelet, your shoes, or even a handkerchief.

Your “something borrowed” usually correlates to your “old” item but ranges anywhere from your friend's wedding veil, a piece of jewelry from your mom or grandmother, a first dance song (in theory), or even a cake topper!

Now for “something blue,” this is where you can add your preferred personal touch. If you want this item to walk the aisle with you, consider jewelry, florals, shoes, or ribbons on your bouquet. But you could also consider a clutch, a getting ready robe, slippers, your bridesmaids dresses, wedding decor, blue embroidery... you name it.

Most of these items can even be combined! For example, borrowing a blue garter from an older relative or receiving an antique blue topaz ring from your groom. The list could go on but we’ll leave room for your imagination!

Photo by Frame Visuals

The post The Fascinating Origins Behind ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue’ appeared first on Infinity Hospitality.

The History of the Bridal Bouquet

Infinity Hospitality — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 19:40:53 +0000

WEDDING TRADITIONS: THE BRIDAL BOUQUET

When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, there are a few traditions we almost all agree are essential. Some of us couldn’t dream of walking down the aisle without “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,” having a flower girl during the ceremony, or wearing anything other than a white dress. But where did all of these wedding traditions come from?

Today, we’re looking into the origin of the bridal bouquet.

ANCIENT SUPERSTITIONS

We don’t have a crystal clear picture of what ancient weddings were like, but we do know their traditional bouquets were filled with fragrant herbs and spices instead of white roses and purple posies.

It was common practice in ancient Roman, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations to outfit a bride with fragrant herbs and spices to ward off any bad luck and signify her new beginning. These brides of times past even incorporated fragrant garnishes in their wedding hairstyles and held a bouquet with herbs like rosemary (a traditional symbol of loyalty), dill (said to increase feelings of lust), and even stalks of wheat (for fertility).

Flowers didn’t become a common part of the bride’s arrangement until the Victorian era, when the young queen carried a bouquet of delicate snowdrop flowers during her influential wedding to Prince Albert.

THE BOUQUET TOSS

Because of this long history and cultural significance, a wedding just doesn’t feel quite right without a little greenery and plenty of fresh flowers these days. But the symbolism and good luck associated with a bouquet isn’t just about the bride!

The tradition of tossing the bouquet originated in England, but its influence quickly spread throughout other Western countries. Since fresh flowers used to be much harder to come by in the past, they were seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity, and the distinct blooms held by the bride were a blessing that guests sought after.

The bouquet was so coveted that some wedding guests would try to snatch it from her hands after the ceremony, occasionally tearing her dress or messing up her hair in the process. To make a quick and safe getaway, she would toss the bouquet into the crowd and dash off with her new groom. It was believed that whoever caught the bouquet was then granted the fortune of the bride and would be next in line to tie the knot.

If you’re planning a wedding of your own, will you incorporate your own lucky herbs or choose a flower with a special message for your bouquet? And will you spread the good fortune around with a classic bouquet toss at the reception?

Photos by Whitney Cadavid Photography. Florals by Forget Me Not Designs.

For more bouquet inspiration, check out some of our previous blogs!

The post The History of the Bridal Bouquet appeared first on Infinity Hospitality.

Wedding History Archives - Infinity Hospitality