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Wedding ceremony is always a special and memorable event. It's the beginning of a new life. That's why there exist so many customs and traditions related to it. It's up to you to decide whether to believe in these traditions or not, but their history is definitely worth being known about.
Exchanging of the rings
A ring is not just a symbol of becoming a husband and a wife. Its unending circle presents eternity and expresses the couple's promise of everlasting love and faithfulness to each other. The Egyptians placed the wedding ring on the third finger of the left hand, as they believed that the vein from this finger led directly to the heart. They called it "the vein of love".
Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
In England and the United States the brides try to wear something old, new, borrowed and blue. This tradition has been popular since Victorian times. The "something old" symbolizes the family bond, wisdom and piece; "something new" represents the successful life together; "something borrowed" means the support of friends and relatives; and "something blue" stands for chastity and fidelity.
Breaking the dish
In many countries the young couples break glasses or plates during the ceremony: the more pieces they break into, the more successful the marriage will be.
Bringing a bride in hands
A groom traditionally married a bride in hands over a threshold into the house. Our ancient believers believed that evil spirits could easily do harm to a bride, putting a curse on her. But when a bride was not standing on the ground, they could not see her. So, a groom protected his beloved from the evil magic.
Bouquet tossing
This tradition finds its roots in the 14th century, when it was considered very lucky to touch the bride's dress and get a piece of it. In order to reserve the dress, brides started tossing their bouquets to the guests. Nowadays, following the ceremony, the bride tosses her wedding bouquet toward all the unmarried girls, and the one who catches it is supposed to be the next to marry.
Wedding bread
The parents of the bride and groom greet them with bread and salt. This custom appeared in ancient Egypt. At that time bread was valued as much as gold, so it was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. With the bread, the parents are hoping that their children will never be hungry or in need.
Other international traditions
An ancient tradition of throwing rice is extremely popular in different countries. Rice is considered a "life giving" seed, so shaving the couple with it brings them fertility and many children.
Lots of couples plant a tree near the house. Their union is supposedly to last as long as the tree is alive.
Certainly, it's no use following all the traditions, because the success of your marriage mostly depends on your ability to keep love and respect to each other till the end of the life.
