The Do's And Don'ts Of Throwing Rice At Weddings

Throwing rice at weddings is an ancient tradition that has been practised for thousands of years, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The act of showering the newlyweds with rice is meant to bring good luck, fertility, and abundance. Despite the long history of this tradition, there have been concerns about whether throwing rice is harmful to birds. This concern led to a bill introduced by a Connecticut state legislator in 1985 to ban the throwing of rice at weddings. However, ornithologists and scientific experiments have proven that uncooked rice does not harm birds, and the bill was based on a myth. While the tradition of throwing rice at weddings is no longer as common as it once was, it is still practised in some parts of the world.

The history of throwing rice at weddings

Throwing rice at weddings is believed to have originated in ancient times, possibly as far back as the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The tradition is thought to have been practised by the ancient Romans, who threw wheat or oat at weddings, as these crops were associated with prosperity, birth and new life. The Celts, a warrior and agronomist culture, also tossed rice, millet and other grains to bless the couple with fertility.

The rice toss is a symbolic wish for the couple to have a prosperous and fruitful life together, which in ancient times meant having many children. Rice was likely chosen for its availability and low cost, and it has become a popular tradition at weddings to symbolise fertility and prosperity.

Over time, the rice-throwing tradition has evolved, with different cultures adopting their own variations. Italians, for instance, toss candies or sugared nuts to symbolise the sweetness of marriage, while in Morocco, dried dates, figs or raisins are thrown to inspire a fruitful union. In Eastern India, guests shower the couple with flower petals, and in Poland, rice and coins are placed at the couple's feet to ensure prosperity.

Despite its long history, many couples today opt not to throw rice at their weddings. One reason for this is the belief that rice can be harmful to birds, although ornithologists have since debunked this myth. Another concern is the potential hazard of slippery rice grains, which could cause guests to slip and fall.

Why rice is thrown at weddings

Throwing rice at weddings has been a tradition for thousands of years, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians, but it is most widely believed that the tradition originated with the ancient Romans. In ancient Rome, wheat and oat were staple foods, and so these grains became associated with prosperity, birth and new life. The tradition has evolved over time and across different cultures, with rice becoming incorporated during the Middle Ages.

Rice is thrown at weddings to symbolise fertility and prosperity. The wish was for the couple to have children and an abundance of crops. The rice is meant to mimic rain, which symbolises good luck and fertility, as well as keeping evil spirits away. The tradition is also thought to cast away evil spirits and help the bride become pregnant.

The rice toss usually takes place as the newlyweds exit the ceremony or at the grand exit as they leave the reception. Guests line up outside and shower the couple with rice as they walk into their new life together.

The tradition has evolved in different cultures, with Italians throwing candy or sugared nuts to symbolise the sweetness of marriage, while in Morocco, dried fruit is thrown to inspire a fruitful union.

Is throwing rice harmful to birds?

Throwing rice at weddings is a tradition that has been practised for thousands of years, with roots possibly tracing back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The act symbolises good luck, fertility, and abundance for the newlywed couple. However, in recent times, there has been growing concern that this tradition may be harmful to birds. This concern stems from the belief that uncooked rice consumed by birds will expand in their stomachs, leading to tearing or even death.

The myth that uncooked rice is harmful to birds gained significant traction in the late 1980s due to two main events. Firstly, in 1985, a Connecticut state legislator introduced a bill to ban the throwing of rice at weddings, citing the potential harm to birds as the reason. Secondly, Ann Landers, a well-known advice columnist, published a letter from a reader expressing concern about the practice and suggesting the use of birdseed instead. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, these incidents sparked widespread worry among the public, leading to a decline in the rice-throwing tradition at weddings.

However, ornithologists and bird experts have repeatedly confirmed that uncooked rice poses no harm to birds. They explain that dried grains, including rice, absorb liquids very slowly unless they are being cooked. Additionally, birds have digestive processes that break down the rice into nutrients and waste, preventing any potential expansion that could cause harm. Furthermore, the internal temperature of a bird's stomach is not high enough to "cook" the rice and cause it to swell.

To put the myth to rest, James Krupa, a professor at the University of Kentucky, and his biology students conducted a series of experiments in 2002. They tested different types of grains, considered the strength of birds' digestive organs, and even fed instant rice to the professor's pet birds. Their findings confirmed that uncooked rice does not cause any harm or discomfort to birds.

In conclusion, while the concern for the well-being of birds is understandable, the belief that throwing rice at weddings will cause them harm is unfounded. Birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and migratory birds, regularly consume uncooked rice in their natural habitats without any ill effects.

Alternatives to throwing rice at weddings

Throwing rice at weddings has been a tradition for thousands of years, possibly dating back to the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. The rice symbolises good luck, fertility, and abundance. However, the tradition has gone out of vogue due to the myth that uncooked rice kills birds. If you're looking for alternatives to throwing rice at your wedding, here are some ideas:

Birdseed

Birdseed is an environmentally responsible alternative to rice. It is festive, self-cleaning, and a great way to feed the birds! You can distribute spoonfuls of birdseed wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with a ribbon to your guests.

Bubbles

Bubbles are a fun, inexpensive, and mess-free option that will delight your guests and create beautiful photographs. They are also safe and eliminate the risk of someone getting hit in the eye.

Noisemakers

Noisemakers, such as kazoos or shakers, allow your guests to express their joy without throwing anything at the couple. They can be customised with the wedding date and the couple's names, and your guests can keep them as souvenirs.

Flower Petals

Flower petals are beautiful, romantic, and naturally biodegradable. You can provide paper cones filled with flower petals for your guests to toss, or have children throw petals from a second-story window as the couple leaves the building.

Dried Herbs and Flowers

Dried lavender, rose petals, wildflower petals, or dried olive leaves create a fragrant and enchanting wedding exit. This option may be more expensive, but you can source in-season flowers from a local florist to reduce shipping costs. Be mindful of potential allergies among your guests.

Biodegradable Confetti

Biodegradable confetti, such as heart-shaped seed confetti, is a more environmentally friendly alternative to microplastic confetti. It looks festive and can be planted to grow wildflowers, creating a habitat for important pollinators.

Paper Airplanes

Paper airplanes are playful and imaginative, especially if the couple has a history of long-distance travel. You can source the paper from your recycling bin or opt for biodegradable seed paper.

Streamers

Streamers provide a stylish pop of colour without the mess. They have a loop for guests to hold onto and a weighted roll that unrolls when tossed. Guests can then recycle the streamers after use.

Bells

Instead of having your guests throw something, give them tiny bells, bicycle bells, or jingle bells to shake or ring. They create a lovely sound without making a mess.

Sparklers

Sparklers create a spectacular display and beautiful photographs. They are available in different colours and shapes, adding a fun and festive touch to the ceremony. However, keep in mind that sparklers are not biodegradable.

Remember to check with your wedding venue to ensure that your chosen alternative is allowed and safe for the surrounding environment.

When to throw rice at weddings

Throwing rice at weddings is an ancient tradition that is believed to bring the newly married couple good luck, fertility, and abundance. There are two times in the wedding day when a rice toss might happen: as the couple recesses from the ceremony down the aisle, or as they make their grand exit leaving the reception.

If the ceremony is in a church or chapel, guests line up outside for the toss. The newlyweds are showered with rice as soon as they exit the church. If it's an outdoor wedding, the toss is done while they exit down the aisle.

It's important to note that the rice toss should always be done outside, as it makes for better lighting for photos and easier cleanup. It's also crucial to have someone in charge of cleaning up the rice, as it can be slippery and pose a safety hazard for guests.

The rice toss is usually scheduled for immediately after the ceremony, but it can also be done before the couple gets into their getaway vehicle after the reception. It's a good idea to put the timing of the rice toss in the ceremony program or have the wedding officiant or DJ make an announcement so that guests are aware.

Some venues may not allow rice tossing due to the tedious cleanup process and potential hazards, so it's important to check with your venue before planning a rice toss.

Frequently asked questions