Some of the Whacky Myths and Superstitions Surrounding Weddings
In honor of today’s date (Friday the 13th), I thought it would be fun to discuss and hopefully demystify some of the nuttiest myths and superstitions surrounding your wedding day.
“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe”
Most people have heard of this tradition, but many don’t know it is rooted in a superstition. There are various explanations surrounding this superstition on the web. If they peak your interest, check them out. I think that this is a fun tradition to follow, but I wouldn’t sweat it if you forget about following it for your wedding. Believe me; you will have enough to worry about.
It’s Bad Luck for the Bride and Groom to See Each Other Before the Wedding
The tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other until the actual wedding ceremony came from the days of arranged marriages. The couple’s parents were afraid that if their children saw each other before the wedding, one of them might not be pleased with the other and run away. Thus, it became “bad luck” for the couple to see each other. Arranged marriages still exist in some culture, but the couple does have an opportunity to check each other out beforehand. My take: With more and more weddings featuring so many special elements and events, taking pictures before the actual ceremony would be a nice benefit to the wedding party AND the wedding guests. And seeing each other for the first time privately is so much more emotional than seeing each other for the first time in front of an audience.
The Bride Should Never Participate in the Wedding Processional at Rehearsal
Apparently, this practice will bring bad luck or evil spirits to the bride. The most popular alternative is to ask a close friend not in the wedding party to be the “Stand in Bride.” As a wedding planner, I find this superstition to be a pain in the “you know what.” I believe a couple should feel comfortable with the pace of the processional. And, they won’t feel comfortable with the pace of the professional, if they don’t practice it during the rehearsal.
The Numbers Connected to Your Wedding Date Can Be Good Luck or Bad
Remember last year’s July 7th phenomena? Couples were clamoring to marry on this wedding date because it contained the three lucky sevens! Well, look out! August 8, 2008 will be just as popular. Apparently, Chinese culture considers the number 8 to be good luck.
Have you ever heard of the superstition about a clock’s minute hand? Apparently, the minute hand should be going up when you wedding ceremony begins. Also, there is a superstion that says, it is good luck if a couple is exchanging wedding vows as the minute hand is going up, or past the 30 minute mark. As the minutes ascend towards heaven the couple becomes more blessed. My thoughts on this: If you can beat the clock, it’s a nice thing to do. If you can’t, don’t sweat it.
Wedding Superstitions That Are So Whacky, Debunking Them is Unnecessary
Wedding Cake Under Your Pillow
If a single woman sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband. Let’s be straight here. Chances of dreaming of your future husband are minimal only if you met him at the wedding. Place a slice of cake under your pillow, and you should be more concerned about the mound of ants that will be under your pillow when you wake up to the next morning.
Meeting a Nun or Monk on Your Wedding Day Means You’ll Not Be Able to Have Children
As a Catholic, I find this superstition to be absolutely hilarious. Many devout Catholics will have at least one nun on their wedding guest list, and being barren is not exactly what Catholics are known for. Okay, okay, I am playing to a stereotype here, but that stereotype alone debunks this superstition!
The Spouse Who Goes to Sleep First on Their Wedding Night Will Be the First to Die
Ha! Who makes this stuff up! Instead of worrying about who went to sleep first on the wedding night, pay attention to your healthy eating habits, your exercise schedule, your stress level, and your healthcare plan!
It’s a Sign of Bad Luck If It Rains on Your Wedding Day
I’ve heard that rain drops on a wedding day means that a bride will cry most of her married life. My take — Rain is nothing more than, well rain! Let’s face it, no one can predict the future and no one (especially Weathermen) can predict the weather. So, you should pick that wedding date that is suitable for you and your fiancé and not worry about anything that you cannot control. The sunny day isn’t your goal anyhow. Getting married is.
Wedding Day Superstitions Are Fun and Funny, but Not Worth the Worry
Superstitions are fun things to discuss with your girlfriends on days like today, but as an old married lady, I can tell you that the only thing that you want to be concerned about on your wedding day is the love, respect and happy life that you are about to share with your new spouse.
Are You Ready to Get Started on Your Own Wedding Planning?
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Love and Soul Always, Kawania
Photo: Shutterstock
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