Flower Traditions
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It is thought that since the beginning of time flowers have been used at weddings to symbolise emotions and merits. Early roman brides carried bunches of herbs under their veils as a symbol of fertility and fidelity as well as to ward off evil spirits. Ivy was used in ancient Greece as a sign of everlasting and unbreakable love. The ancient Saracens chose orange blossoms to represent happiness and fulfilment because the orange tree blooms and bears fruit simultaneously.
The following are some examples of how flowers have been used in different customs throughout history. America - In Louisiana, jazz musicians lead a procession to the reception venue from the church, followed by bridesmaids twirling umbrellas decorated in flowers. Austria - Brides crowned their veils with Myrtle, which is the flower of life. England - The wedding party and the village bride always walked to the church together. A small girl would lead the procession scattering blossoms along the road so the bride's path through life would always be happy and filled with flowers. Germany - The bride and groom would hold candles decorated with flowers & ribbon. India - The groom's brother sprinkles flower petals on the bride and groom at the end of the ceremony to ward off evil spirits. Samoa - The bride wears a fresh flower leis and a mother-of-pearl crown. Sweden - Bridesmaids carried bouquets of pungent herbs to frighten away trolls and the groom stitched thyme into his clothes. Switzerland - After the vows have been taken, the bride's floral wreath, which symbolises her maidenhood, is removed and set on fire by the mistress of ceremonies. If it burns quickly it is considered to be lucky. Other Traditions Many families have now devised their own traditions and are passing them down from generation to generation. You may have a tradition that has been used in your family that you would like to incorporate into your wedding ceremony and celebrations. It might be as simple as wearing a piece of jewellery worn by your mother at her wedding, or even wearing your sisters garter - it doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive as the meaning behind it is what's important. Here are a few others you might like to include, The bride could present a single flower from her bouquet to her mother on her way down the aisle, and one to her new mother in law on her way back up the aisle after she has been married. The bride acknowledges and thanks her mother-in-law to be during her vows and the groom does this too during his. This can be very touching and meaningful to the family you are entering into. You could have someone ring a single bell during the service as a special reminder of loved ones who have passed away or who couldn't make it to the wedding. According to Irish custom, the ringing of a single bell was thought to chase away evil spirits and leave the good ones nearby and to also bring peace to a quarrelling couple. A flower girl can ring a bell as she walks down the aisle or pass out small bells to people seated along the aisle. Mini bells could be presented to guests as they arrive for them to ring after the ceremony as the bride and groom walk together up the aisle. And don't forget the age old tradition of:- "Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue" ZZ Have you got a wedding tradition that you would like to share with us, please email it to us and we'll include it on this page. Thank You |
