Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are traditionally white because the colour is meant to symbolise the bride's purity and virginity. This tradition was popularised by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. However, this has led to many jokes, such as the one where a little girl asks her mother why the bride is dressed in white, to which the mother replies, Because white is the colour of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life. The girl then asks, So why is the groom wearing black?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Joke Premise | Why are wedding dresses white? |
| Answer 1 | To match the other appliances in the kitchen. |
| Answer 2 | White is the colour of happiness, and it's the happiest day of her life. |
| Answer 3 | White symbolises purity and virginity. |
| Origin | Popularised by Queen Victoria in 1840 when she married Prince Albert. |
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What You'll Learn
White wedding dresses symbolise purity and virginity
White wedding dresses are a common tradition in the Western world, with the tradition being popularised by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. White wedding dresses symbolise purity and virginity. This symbolism is referenced in a joke where one man asks another during a coffee break, "Why are wedding dresses always white?" The other man replies, "Well, you know, I think it means the bride's love is pure."
The colour white is also associated with happiness, as referenced in another joke where a little girl asks her mother, "Mommy, how come brides wear white dresses at their wedding?" The mother responds, "Because white is the colour of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life."
In addition to purity and happiness, the colour white is also believed to ward off evil spirits. This belief is reflected in a rhyme about wedding dress colours: "Married in white, you have chosen right".
While the colour of the wedding dress may be influenced by cultural and religious factors, the tradition of wearing white has been further reinforced by its association with status and wealth. In the past, only the rich could afford to buy a dress specifically for their wedding, and a long train was a way of displaying wealth, as it required servants to keep it out of the dirt.
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Queen Victoria made white wedding dresses popular in 1840
While white wedding dresses are now synonymous with bridal gowns in Western cultures, this tradition only dates back to 1840 and Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert. The Queen's dress was made of English Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace, with a deep, wide, off-the-shoulder neckline, short puffed sleeves, and a deep v-shaped pointed waistline. The full, floor-length skirt contained seven widths of fabric in forward-facing pleats, and the satin train was over six yards long and required twelve attendants to carry it down the aisle.
Queen Victoria described her choice of dress in her journal:
> I wore a white satin dress, with a deep flounce of Honiton lace, an imitation of an old design. My jewels were my Turkish diamond necklace & earrings & dear Albert's beautiful sapphire brooch.
The colour white was chosen to highlight the delicate lace, and the style was considered simple in comparison to previous royal brides, who typically wore silver or gold. Victoria's decision to wear white broke with royal custom and set a new trend for bridal fashion in the Western world. The wedding was highly publicised, and the dress garnered a great deal of press attention. The style and colour of Victoria's gown were soon replicated by wealthy, fashionable brides, and the idea that white symbolised purity and virginity further cemented its popularity.
The popularity of white wedding dresses is evident in the comparisons drawn between Queen Victoria's gown and the white wedding dress worn by Catherine Middleton at her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
As for jokes about white wedding dresses, here are a couple:
"Why are wedding dresses always white?"
"Well, it means the bride's love is pure."
"Why do brides wear white dresses at their wedding?"
"Because it's the happiest day of her life."
"Then why does the groom wear black?"
"Why are wedding dresses white?"
"So the dishwasher can match the stove and the refrigerator."
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White is the colour of happiness
White is also a symbol of new beginnings and purity, which is why it is often worn at weddings. The bride's happiness is reflected in the colour of her dress, and it is a way to show that she is pure and starting a new chapter in her life.
The colour white has a variety of meanings and interpretations across different cultures. In Western cultures, it is often associated with happiness and joy. It is seen as a positive and uplifting colour, which is why it is commonly chosen for wedding dresses.
In some cultures, white is also associated with peace and tranquility. It is seen as a calming and harmonious colour, which can add to the happy and relaxed atmosphere of a wedding celebration.
While the colour white has positive connotations in many cultures, it is important to note that it can have different meanings in other cultures. For example, in some Eastern cultures, white is traditionally associated with mourning and death. Therefore, it is always important to be respectful and aware of cultural differences when it comes to the use of colours in fashion and celebrations.
So, when it comes to the question of why wedding dresses are white, the answer is multifaceted. White is the colour of happiness and joy, but it also carries a range of symbolic meanings that vary across different cultures and traditions. Ultimately, the choice to wear white on a wedding day is a personal one, and it is a colour that continues to be associated with happiness and new beginnings for many people.
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White wedding dresses were status symbols
White wedding dresses have long been a tradition in Western cultures, but their history can be traced back to the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Louis XII of France in 1499. However, it was Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 that truly popularised the white wedding dress. Today, it is a classic choice for brides in the Western world.
The colour white has traditionally been associated with purity and virginity, and it was believed that wearing white on one's wedding day would ward off evil spirits. This belief is reflected in the old rhyme: "Married in white, you have chosen right". However, there are also other interpretations of the colour white. In one joke, a mother tells her child that white is the colour of happiness, signifying that it is the happiest day of the bride's life.
Beyond its symbolic meanings, the white wedding dress was also a status symbol. In the past, most brides would simply wear their best outfit on their wedding day, as it was impractical to purchase a dress specifically for one-time use. Therefore, only the wealthy could afford to buy a separate wedding dress, and the longer the train, the more servants were required to keep it clean, further emphasising the family's affluence.
The white wedding dress has evolved over time, and today, it continues to be a popular choice for brides. While the tradition of wearing white is often followed, modern brides also incorporate their personal style and cultural influences into their wedding attire, creating a unique and meaningful look for their special day.
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White was chosen to match other household appliances
White wedding dresses have a long history, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun with it! One joke suggests that white was chosen to match other household appliances, like the stove and refrigerator. This joke likely refers to the past when many household appliances came in white.
The tradition of wearing white on one's wedding day actually originated with Anne of Brittany, who wore white when she married Louis XII of France in 1499. However, it was Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 that truly popularized the white wedding dress.
In Western cultures, the colour white has come to symbolize purity and virginity, and it is also believed to ward off evil spirits. This belief is reflected in the old rhyme:
"Married in White, you have chosen right
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen"
However, the colour of wedding dresses can vary depending on religion and culture. For example, in South Asia, white is typically worn at funerals as it symbolizes peace.
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Frequently asked questions
Because white is the colour of happiness, and a wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of the bride's life.
White symbolises purity, and the bride's love is pure.
To match the other appliances in the kitchen.
White symbolises purity and virginity and was also thought to ward off evil spirits.
