Unveiling The Meaning Behind Wedding Traditions: Something Old, New, Borrowed And Blue

The tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue comes from an Old English rhyme, which dates back to 19th-century Lancashire, England. The rhyme, which also includes a sixpence in your shoe, is meant to bring good luck to the bride and groom on their wedding day and for their future marriage. Each item in the rhyme is meant to be given to the bride before she walks down the aisle, and they can be interpreted in various ways.

Something old: A link to the past, often gifted by a grandparent

The "something old" wedding tradition is steeped in symbolism and history. It originated from the Victorian-era English rhyme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe," which first appeared in an 1871 issue of St. James Magazine. The "something old" element was believed to bring good luck to the bride and protect her future children from the evil eye, a curse passed through a malicious glare that could cause infertility. Today, it has taken on a more general meaning of continuity, representing family bonds and love that endures.

"Something old" is often gifted by grandparents, serving as a tangible link to the past and honouring family heritage. It can be an antique piece of jewellery, a family heirloom, or even a recycled item from a grandparent's wedding, such as a veil or headpiece. Some brides opt for wearing a piece of their grandmother's wedding dress sewn into their own gown, while others may display fragile heirlooms on reception tables for guests to admire. Including "something old" is a heartwarming way to feel connected to loved ones, especially those who have passed away, and it adds a layer of sentimentality and history to the wedding celebration.

Grandparents play a significant role in this tradition, with their presence and contributions enhancing the significance of the day. Their participation can range from gifting family heirlooms to being part of pre-wedding rituals like the first look or signing the marriage certificate as witnesses. Including grandparents in these ways not only honours their place in the family but also creates cherished memories for everyone involved.

In conclusion, "something old" in the context of wedding traditions is about continuity and protection, often gifted by grandparents to symbolise family heritage and love that transcends generations. It is a way to honour the past while celebrating the future, making it a beloved and enduring tradition for many couples.

Something new: Symbolising hope for the future, often a gift from the groom

The "something new" in the wedding tradition "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" symbolises hope for the future and the new chapter in the couple's life. It is often a gift from the groom, such as a piece of jewellery to be worn during the ceremony, or even the wedding dress itself. It can also be an exchange of rings or a gift from someone else.

Couples often tick this box before they even learn of the rhyme's existence, as it can be anything new, like the wedding dress, veil, wedding day jewellery, or shoes. It is a token of hope for the happy couple's long future together.

The tradition of exchanging gifts between the bride and groom is not new, though it is not a tradition that every couple adheres to. It is considered an "optional tradition", but it is becoming increasingly popular. Couples may exchange gifts the night before the wedding, the morning of, or after the ceremony. The gifts are a meaningful way to commemorate their milestone and the love they have for each other.

The "something new" item is a reminder of the new life the couple is about to embark on, and it is a fun way to embrace tradition, even if other wedding conventions are not for you.

Something borrowed: For good luck, borrowed from a happily married friend or relative

The "something borrowed" part of the wedding tradition is all about bringing good luck to the happy couple. By borrowing something from a friend or relative in a successful marriage, the bride (or couple) hopes that some of their good fortune will transfer over. In the past, brides were urged to borrow undergarments from a female friend or relative with a happy marriage and healthy children. However, nowadays, it's more common to borrow something of sentimental value, like a hair accessory or a piece of jewellery.

If you're stuck for ideas, you could borrow a family heirloom, like a vintage necklace or a pair of earrings. You could also borrow a photo of grandparents who are no longer with you and place it somewhere prominent at the ceremony. Your 'something borrowed' doesn't have to be a physical object either; you could 'borrow' your first dance song from your parents or grandparents.

• Wedding accessories, like cufflinks, ties, or a family heirloom
• A wedding dress, veil, or hair accessory
• A wedding cake recipe
• A wedding cocktail recipe
• A wedding cake topper
• Vintage crockery
• A wedding fragrance
• A wedding reading
• A wedding car
• A wedding cake knife

Remember, your 'something borrowed' can be anything that has meaning to you and brings you good luck!

Something blue: Love, purity and fidelity, often a garter or accessory

The tradition of wearing "something blue" on your wedding day is based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. The rhyme describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day to promote good luck and fertility in her marriage. The colour blue is said to stand for love, purity, and fidelity, which are three qualities that the Old English considered essential for a strong marriage.

Traditionally, a bride's "something blue" was a garter worn beneath a white dress. However, modern brides often choose to add subtle pops of blue with accessories, shoes, bags, jewellery, or flowers. There are many creative ways to incorporate blue into your wedding attire. For example, you could wear a blue hair accessory, a pair of blue shoes, a sapphire necklace, ring or bracelet, or sprinkle blue flowers into your bouquet. If you want to be more subtle, you could write a note in blue ink on the bottom of your shoes or tie a blue ribbon around your wedding invitation suite.

For grooms, wearing a blue tie or pocket square can be a fun way to participate in the tradition. Bridesmaids can also get involved by wearing blue dresses or accessories, acting as the bride's "something blue". Ultimately, there are endless ways to incorporate "something blue" into your wedding day, and it's a fun tradition to take part in, whether you choose to follow it to the letter or put a modern twist on it.

Sixpence in your shoe: For prosperity, a British coin placed in the shoe

The rhyme "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is a well-known tradition for brides on their wedding day. However, the lesser-known final line of the rhyme is "and a silver sixpence in her shoe". This refers to the tradition of placing a silver sixpence coin in the bride's shoe, typically the left shoe, before she walks down the aisle.

The sixpence is a British coin that has been in circulation since the 1530s, with a value equivalent to six pennies. The tradition of including a sixpence in the bride's shoe is thought to have originated in Victorian Britain, though it may also be linked to the Scottish penny wedding tradition. The sixpence is said to bring the couple luck, prosperity, and happiness in their marriage. It is often gifted to the bride by her father, symbolising his wishes for her future.

Over time, the sixpence tradition has evolved and spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Latin America, Poland, and Lithuania. While the specific customs vary, the underlying sentiment of wishing the couple financial success and a happy marriage remains consistent.

Today, the sixpence coin is no longer minted, making it a rare and special item for brides to include in their wedding traditions.

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