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Things You Didn't Know About Wedding Traditions
'Tis the season of white, wedding bells, and love in the air! If you are like the majority of people during the spring, you have a list of weddings to attend―or even potentially your own wedding! We have compiled some very interesting facts and talking points about the history of weddings. So, write these down and say adiós to small talk with other solo wedding guests!
- Bridesmaid dresses were originally thought of as a source of protection for the bride. The ancient Romans believed that evil spirits would often try to harm the bride and groom on their special day, so the bridesmaids were ordered to wear the same dress as the bride in order to confuse the angry spiritual guests.
- Weddings in June are not a new trend. The ancient Roman Goddess Juno rules over marriages and childbirth, thus giving June the loving appeal of brides-to-be.
- We are doing honeymoons all wrong these. Originally the ancient Norse newlyweds would go into hiding after their big day. Fellow villagers would then bring the couple honey wine for 30-days, or one moon, thus coining the term "honeymoon."
- South Africa is all about getting a little fire lit for their newlyweds. It is tradition that parents would carry fire from their hearth at home and light the fire in the hearth of the home of the newlyweds.
- Wedding cake was originally just a loaf of bread that was taken and broke over the head of the bride. This tradition was supposed to help ensure fertility, but we just see that as wasted carbs.
- In the 1500s brides and bridesmaids began carrying bouquets. This wasn't done for fashion sake of the time, this was a way to disguise the odor of the bridal party. Most people showered only once a month, and the flowers helped to divert the smell.
- According to English folklore, the unluckiest day of the week to get married is Saturday. The luckiest day to get married is on Wednesday-or hump day as some call it.
- Watching where you stand could be the one thing that saves your bride from getting swept up by another man. In bygone days, the bride stood to the left of the groom so that the groom could use his right hand for fighting off other potential suitors.
- Wedding showers started when a Dutch maiden fell in love with a common, impoverished miller. Her friends showered the couple with gifts so that the couple could sustain without her dowry.
- The tradition of the white wedding gown started with Queen Victoria in 1840. Before the Queen wore the Western world's first ever white dress, brides would simply wear their favorite and best dress.
- Bonus fact! Joan Crawford changes out all of the toilet seats in her home after she marries a new man. There's a lady who really wants the best throne for her king.