We’ve all heard the wedding day phrase, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in your shoe,†right? As a traditional English or American bride, these have been the go-to necessities for all things regarding good luck on your wedding day. Americans dropped the sixpence option at some point, simply because most of us don’t even know what a sixpence is! For the record: The sixpence, or half-shilling, was a British pre-decimal coin worth 1/40th of a pound sterling. (Thank you, Wikipedia)
For the better part of this and the last century, our list of “somethings†has been more than adequate to keep all the bad juju at bay. However, in today’s modern culture, we see the coming together of not just a couple, but more often of cultures, countries and religions.
When I married my husband, I was working with vendors in several different Asian countries. One Korean vendor sent us a wedding gift of two carved wooden ducks, one with a cord wrapped around his bill. I thought they were cute Love Ducks. After inquiring a little further, I found out they were actually good luck symbols from the Korean tradition; a version of wearing a blue garter perhaps?
At any rate, it made me curious so I did a little digging and found some other traditions that might be fun to incorporate into your wedding based on your (or your groom’s) heritage.
The following represent traditions from other countries
Bulgaria: Step into the church right foot first and your marriage will be blessed.
Cambodia: Bring a sword to the ceremony. The blade represents harmony and strength – and helps make your wishes come true!
China: Light firecrackers after the ceremony to chase away evil spirits. Carry an open red umbrella to protect the bride from evil spirits (will make for sweet photo ops too!).
Egypt: Let the women at your celebration give you a pinch. What’s a little pain for good karma?
England: Carry a horseshoe tied with ribbon during your ceremony, and then hang it above the doorway of your home. (Make sure the ends are pointing up!)
Germany: Smash dishes the night before you get hitched and nothing will be broken in your haus.
Holland: Plant Lilies of the Valley around your new home together and your love with renew every spring.
India: Have an artist paint your hands and feet with intricate henna designs. The darker the ink, the more luck you will have. Sometimes the artist will hide the groom’s name within the complicated designs. Tradition states that the groom must then find his name and if he cannot, the bride is said to have the command in the marriage!
Ireland: Add some lavender, a herald of happiness, to your bouquet.
Nigeria: Wash your feet with cold water before crossing over your new threshold. According to Yoruba custom, your marriage will start with a clean slate.
Poland: Feel free to cry during the ceremony. A few tears now mean none in the years to come.
Romania: Share braided bread baked by the bride’s godmother. Eat a piece and fortune will smile on you all year long.
Thailand: Ask guests to tie a white string, or sal sin, around each of your wrists. Want maximum luck? Wear them for at least three days.
Korea: Display wooden ducks at the vows. Not only do they represent you and your guy, they also promise a union marked by togetherness. At the wedding display two wooden ducks bill-to-bill – it means you have an open and honest relationship.
Interesting and fun, right? What, if any, good luck customs did you or will you incorporate into your wedding and marriage?
Sources: Brides Magazine, Squidoo
