Following on from last weeks blog, here are some more ‘good luck and bad luck’ traditions.
11. A Swedish Bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she’ll never do without.
12. Finnish Brides traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.
13. Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.
14. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds’ home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
15. It is thought unlucky for the Bride to make her own wedding dress.
16. It is also unlucky for the Groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before until she arrives at the ceremony.
17. When the Bride is ready to leave the house for the wedding ceremony a last look in the mirror is thought to bring her good luck
18. Bad weather on the way to the wedding is thought to be an omen of an unhappy marriage, although in some cultures rain is considered a good omen. Cloudy skies and wind are believed to cause stormy marriages. Snow on the other hand is associated with fertility and wealth.
19. It is the best man’s duty to protect the Groom from bad luck. He must ensure that once the groom has began his journey to the church he does not return for any reason.
20. Something old- traditionally this was old garter which given to the Bride by a happily married woman in the hope that her happiness in marriage would be passed on to the new Bride.
21. Something new symbolises the newlyweds’ happy and prosperous future.
22. Something borrowed is often lent by the Bride’s family and is an item much valued by the family. The Bride must return the item to ensure good luck.
23. Something blue originated in ancient Israel where the Bride wore a blue ribbon in her hair to represent fidelity.
Emma at Clearwell Castle
