Something new, something blue
Wedding traditions and their possible origins
- posted: 01 Nov. 2007
- scrollspecial@byui.edu
People often think of white dresses, abundant flowers and cake when they think of weddings, but why does a bride often have bridesmaids, wear a veil and bear a ring? Here are some wedding traditions and their possible origins from history.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen
Anciently, all of the couple’s attendants dressed like the bride and groom to confuse anyone with bad intentions, so no curse or bad event would ruin the fortune of the marriage.
Honeymoon
In ancient times, the groom kidnapped the unwilling bride. He took her to a hidden place for a month (one cycle of the moon) to escape searchers. During that time, the couple drank a honey brew.
Bridal veil
The veil was worn in ancient Greece and Rome and covered the bride from the top of her head to her feet, symbolizing men’s domination over women.
Bridal bouquets
In many different cultures, brides carried herbs and flowers to ward off evil spirits or to represent various virtues.
Wearing something blue
In ancient Israel, the borders of bridal clothes were blue because they stood for qualities like love, purity and fidelity.
Wedding ring
The ring has symbolized undying, unending love since the days of the early Egyptians. 
