Weird and Wonderful Wedding Traditions By Hayley - 10.08.2017
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Everyone knows of the favourite traditional wedding rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. But have you heard of the more unusual wedding traditions that use to be common practise for brides? Wedding traditions have been around for years and years, standing the test of time in many countries and crossing continents to be treasured by brides across the world.
Have a look at just a few of our favourite weird and wonderful wedding traditions from across the globe, you might find some you would that you would love to include in your special day.
A Chimney Sweep
A chimney sweep at the wedding was meant to bring good luck and they were often spotted in the crowd but for obvious reasons that particular tradition has died out somewhat.
Photo Credit: https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/32687/20161004/life-as-a-chimney-sweep
Rice Confetti
Instead of the confetti or rose petals we use now, throwing rice on a couple used to be the norm as they walked out of the church.
Photo Credit: http://weddingsblog.lanierislands.com/index.php/its-really-ok-to-throw-rice-at-a-wedding/
Lucky Spiders
Finding a spider on your wedding dress was claimed to be a good omen in Old English Lore. We doubt there are many brides who would leave it on now.
Photo Credit: http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/weddings/top-10-wedding-traditions-and-their-origins-1.7341498
Wooden Spoons
A wooden spoon might not be the most exciting gift but giving one to the bride was meant to help her become a good cook for her husband. It is probably best that this one isn't followed any more or perhaps give it to the groom instead?
Photo Credit: http://www.pinsdaddy.com/wedding-spoons_O5BL*pN061PqShFl%7CXzzGhzBNRN5LY1cDiYYU8Gho2o/
Horseshoes
Horseshoes have always been a symbol of good luck and still feature in many weddings to this day.
Photo Credit: http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/horseshoe-favours-help/
Sugar Cubes
According to Greek culture if you tuck a sugar cube into your glove, it will sweeten the union.
Photo Credit: http://www.ohbaby.co.nz/lifestyle/eco-living/10-unexpected-uses-for-sugar-cubes/
Wedding Wednesday
In English tradition Wednesday is suppose to be the best day to get married, Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health. Saturday is supposedly the unluckiest day to get married, which is funny as it is definitely the most popular!
Photo Credit: https://dreamweddingofficiants.com/blog/2014/02/17/picking-your-perfect-wedding-date/
Romantic Gesture
The groom carries the bride over the threshold to bravely protect her against evil spirits lurking below.
Photo Credit: http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/planning/essentials/wedding-traditions-explained/20503.html
Lucky Rain
Rain on your wedding day is considered good luck according to Hindu tradition.
Photo Credit: http://blog.sirmionewedding.com/rain-wedding-day/
Pinching The Bride
For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride. Not too keen on this one!
Photo Credit: http://popkey.co/m/3RKa5-princess+bride-pinching+cheeks
Henna Art
Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye.
Photo Credit: https://www.hennadesignsideas.com/bridal-henna-designs/
Throwing Peas
Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.
Photo Credit: http://www.countryfile.com/news/lewes-world-pea-throwing-championships
Silver Coin
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.
Collecting Gifts
A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.
Photo Credit: http://gandsphotography.co.uk/picking-perfect-wedding-gift/
Milk Bath
Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.
Photo Credit: http://www.ajsnaturalbeautyblog.com/2016/02/cleopatras-milk-bath-recipe-diy.html
Pine Trees
In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
Photo Credit: https://treesforlife.org.uk/forest/species-profiles/scots-pine/
Ring Finger
Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.
Photo Credit: https://www.theknot.com/content/ring-finger-what-hand-wedding-engagement-ring