Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

The Wedding Guru Judy Lewis fields this week’s wedding questions. Today: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

One of the best things about owning HudsonValleyWeddings.com and writing this blog is how much it teaches me. I may be the Wedding Guru, after all, but there’s still so much to learn! Thankfully, my industry challenges me to find the answers to some very interesting questions. There are so many details in planning a wedding, and it goes to show how many of us do things — or use phrases — for which we don’t know the origin. Ever heard of the “Something old, something new” phrase? Challenge your friends and see how many know the answer to where this very common phrase originates — then check back here to see if you were right!

Grace asks: “What is the origin of the ‘Something old…’ tradition?”

Dear Grace: This tradition, like many others, is rooted in superstition, good and bad luck. It dates back to Victorian times.
Something old” symbolizes the connection the bride will maintain to her family and the past. Many brides abide by this tradition and choose to wear an heirloom piece of family jewelry, or a wedding gown belonging to a grandmother or mother.
Something new” connotes good fortune and success in the bride’s new life. The wedding dress is most often the chosen new item.
Something borrowed” serves to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her whenever she may need their support or assistance. The borrowed object can be anything of her choosing, such as an antique handkerchief, an item of jewelry, or a handbag.
Something blue” denotes faithfulness and loyalty. The symbolism dates back to biblical times when blue represented purity and constancy. Brides often choose to wear a blue garter to keep to this tradition, or blue ribbons in their hair to symbolize fidelity.
A silver sixpence in her shoe” represents the wishes of loved ones to the bride, in the hope that she will have both financial security and happiness.

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Did you guess correctly? Share your thoughts on this tradition — or challenge me with a tradition you’re familiar with. To submit your own question to “The Wedding Guru,” add your comment to the box below or email judy@hvmag.com.

 

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