Wedding Day Folklore and Old Wives' Tales

Everybody wants good luck on their wedding day and beyond. That is why there are so many small traditions and steps people take to make sure luck and good fortune shine on their celebration.

Whether you believe in them or simply enjoy the stories behind them, wedding traditions can add a little meaning, humor, and personality to the day. Here are a few customs you may not have heard before.

Where “tie the knot” came from

The phrase “tie the knot” is often traced to Roman times, when a bride wore a girdle tied in knots for the groom to untie later. Some people also believe the saying refers to knots of rope tied to form a marriage bed.

Whatever its exact origin, the phrase has become one of the most familiar ways to describe getting married.

Why wedding rings are worn on the left hand

Wedding and engagement rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was long believed that a vein ran directly from that finger to the heart. That romantic idea gave the ring finger its lasting significance.

Carrying the bride across the threshold

The tradition of a groom carrying his newly married bride across the threshold was believed to protect her from evil spirits. Today, it is more likely to be a sweet photo opportunity, but the story behind it is much older.

Beauty, sweetness, and good fortune

Wedding folklore is full of unexpected customs:

• A law written in 1775 reportedly stated that a wedding was not legal if the bride wore makeup during the ceremony.
• According to Greek custom, a bride could tuck a sugar cube into her glove to sweeten the union.
• In Holland, planting a pine tree outside the newlyweds' home was believed to bring good luck and fertility.
• Ancient Greek and Roman traditions held that a wedding veil protected the bride from evil spirits.

Choosing a lucky wedding day

Many cultures have their own ideas about the best day or weather for a wedding. English tradition says Wednesday is the best day to marry, with Monday associated with wealth and Tuesday associated with health. In Hindu tradition, rain on a wedding day is considered good luck.

Egyptian tradition says women should pinch the bride on her wedding day to give her good luck. It may not be every bride's favorite tradition, but it certainly makes for a memorable story.

Make room for the traditions you love

There is no need to follow every superstition for a wedding day to be meaningful. Pick the traditions that feel right for you, skip the ones that do not, and enjoy the stories along the way.

The best kind of wedding-day luck comes from being surrounded by the people you love and creating a celebration that feels true to you.

Scott Simmons