Where the “Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue” Tradition Comes From?

It is customary for the bride to wear "something old," "something new," "something borrowed," "something blue," and "a sixpence in her shoe."

Traditions stated therein have been observed by brides since antiquity, and they include four (technically five) objects the bride should have on her wedding day. Exactly what could be the cause of this?

A poem written in Victorian-era Lancashire, England, served as the inspiration for the catchphrase. Garter worn by the bride as her "something blue" is said to protect her from the Evil Eye, which may cause the couple's firstborn child to be stillborn if the groom were to catch it. Underwear from a lady who has recently given birth is the ideal "item borrowed." If the newlywed wears this, the Wicked Eye will think she is already fertile and the curses would not come true. This is why, historically, brides have taken their places just on left side of the alter.

However, these items continue to hold a great deal of significance for ladies on their wedding days, even if their original meanings have evolved greatly over the years. According to wedding lore, each of these four objects has a specific meaning: "something old" symbolises continuity, "something new" signifies hope for a better future, "something borrowed" stands for fleeting joy, and "something blue" represents purity, love, and fidelity.

The non-British bride should find a sixpence as a symbol of a bright future. Some modern-day brides and grooms, however, choose to stray from tradition by forgoing the something old, something borrowed, something blue, or something borrowed and blue traditions associated with their wedding day.

Don't put too much stock in the recommendations made in this dusty old book. Nothing in the rhyme should be taken as a suggestion for the wedding's colour scheme or as a mandate to go on a hunt for the perfect present. Last-minute gifts are a common way for moms, sisters, extended family, and servants to demonstrate their love (but you can always treat yourself). Of course, nowadays, the sweet tradition goes much beyond merely the bride receiving gifts. Wearing matching ties and their grandfathers' neckties will help the two best men match each other's attire. The bridesmaids' choice of blue attire can serve as the traditional "something blue." Whether blue hair and blue nails to an ancestor photo collage on the back of an escort card to a gift of pricey jewellery or a brand new getaway car, we've seen it all.

Explanation of the Term “Something Old”

It was originally thought that the Wicked Eye could render the bride infertile; hence, the "something ancient" ritual was instituted to safeguard the couple's future progeny. However, "something ancient" can also be taken in a more lighthearted sense to represent continuity, and many contemporary couples use this as an excuse to don a treasured family heirloom. As a wedding present, the bride's parents customarily present her with a treasured family heirloom.

Since the trend towards all things retro-chic shows no signs of abating, there are plenty of "antique" touches you may work into your wedding's aesthetic.

We think it's a lovely idea for the bride to wear her mother's or grandmother's wedding jewellery. It could be anything from a simple pin to a whole personalised neckline and earring set. There's a chance you'd prefer to wear your christening bracelet to the party. It's not only clothes and accessories; anything with a rich past can be considered vintage. It's a good idea to use a memorable cake topper for this.

If you have a female relative who recently got married, ask if you might borrow the veil she wore. Buying a used bridal veil may be less expensive than buying a brand new one.

The tradition of the bride bringing "something old" to the ceremony symbolises her family's history, traditions, and background. Since the vintage style is set to stay, donning a "old" item will not make you look out of place. A wedding gown and jewellery borrowed from an aunt can be used to:

• Incorporating a classic item, like a locket pendant, brooch, or pocket watch, into a bouquet.
• A vintage Bible that still has its original rings attached to the cover.
• Wrapping your bouquet in your mother's wedding lace or putting a piece of lace onto your garment is a touching gesture.
• This is both the "old" and "new" version of the locket you've been wanting to keep your most precious family photos in. Wear the locket or place it in your flower arrangement.

Explanation of the Term "Something New"

There's no mistaking the promise that the future holds thanks to "Something new." The two should begin their fresh start together with "something new," and a wedding is the most obvious choice. Don't worry yourself to death trying to discover that "something new;" it could be anything from a novel accessory to a brand-new article of apparel. Even if they aren't familiar with the rhyme, many couples still use it as a quick check. Your "something new" could be a chance to treat yourself or a present from a loved one.

The "something new" will most likely be either your wedding dress or your new partner. Rather than buying a new dress, why not borrow or reuse a loved one's? It's common knowledge that Michael and Carole Middleton had specially designed diamond earrings made for Kate to wear on her wedding day to Prince William.

Grooms often surprise their brides with jewellery on the day of the wedding. Common gifts include pearl bracelets, stud earrings, and necklaces.

Alternately, if you don't like to buy new stuff, a new accessory is always a fun way to change things up. Procedures like laser eye surgery and teeth whitening can drastically alter your appearance. You can always get a brandnew lipstick or some other cosmetics even if money is tight. In the long term, you want to ensure that your new understanding is useful.

The "something new" symbolises the bride's desire for a new beginning with her new husband. Many brides follow tradition and designate their wedding gown as their "something new," but the groom might also choose to give the bride a gift on their special day. Accessories like as rings, a choker, or a bracelets would all be appropriate. Consider:

• A new and exquisite scent is chosen daily to compliment the ensemble.
• Refreshed cosmetics, with a focus on a (new) signature lip colour
• Use your new initials as a monogram on anything from a handkerchief to a necklace.
• Underneath the garment, brand new underwear is on view.

Explanation of the Term "Something Borrowed"

The pair believes that "anything borrowed" brings them good fortune. Able to borrow an item from a friend or family member who recently tied the knot can help the newlyweds bring some of their good fortune into their own marriage. To help with the whole fertility thing, the bride, as according old wives' tales, must borrow the undergarments of a lady who is currently married and has beautiful kids. Today, although, it's all about wearing a piece of family heirloom jewellery on the wedding day for good luck, such as your mom's diamond earrings or your grandma's wedding hair clip.

We think it's a great plan to share accessories by borrowing from one another. The relationship between you and your lender will strengthen as a result.

Also, if you need a veil, we have them for loan, too. Because they aren't on the cutting edge of style, classic items like fingertip veils and church-length veils can be borrowed for little or no cost. Inquiring about who might have a veil stashed away should yield quick results.

The bride will often borrow a token of congratulations from a former bride who is similarly ecstatic. A few possible "borrowables" are listed below:

• A piece of a friend's wedding veil
• Knife or topping from someone's wedding cake
• Shoes worn by your cousin at her wedding
• Those stunning jewels your mum wore to her wedding
• Flowers from a friend or family member's garden to adorn the bouquet.

Explanation of the Term "Something Blue"

The qualities of love, purity, and faithfulness symbolised by the colour blue are fundamental to a successful marriage. As her "something blue," the bride typically wore a blue garter with her white bridal gown. It is a common misconception that "anything blue" is necessary to protect against ghosts. Throw in a few blue clematis in the arrangement, get a pair of sky-high blue heels, seek out a powdery blue bow tie, or cover the invitation packages in blue ribbon just because you can.

The traditional "something blue" for a bride is a swatch of blue sewn into her garter, but you can alternatively choose a more ostentatious blue accessory if you want.

Traditional bridal attire, including a white dress and light blue shoes, is foolproof. You could also choose a wedding dress in a pastel shade; this season, brides are wearing everything from powder blue to blush pink.

A blue sapphire engagement ring is one option.

Having a blue token on your person is a symbol of your dedication, purity, and love. It is also a symbol of the Mother of God if donned by a Christian bride. For your "something blue," consider these options:

• The names of the bride and groom, along with the wedding date, were stitched into the lining of the dress using blue thread.
• Gemstone sapphire jewellery
• Any style of shoe having a blue rubber sole, but especially high heels
• Blue fingernails, polished to perfection

Explanation of the Term "Sixpence in Your Shoe"

The final line of the old nursery rhyme is "a silver sixpence," which refers to a small piece of silver. This isn't something you have to wear constantly, but if your friend wore one on her marriage day, borrowing this could bring you double the luck!

A sixpence, the final part of the traditional rhyme, is often disregarded. With this British coin, the happy couple is wished a prosperous new life together. The British sixpence was discontinued from circulation in 1980, but obsessive-compulsive brides may still seek one out and place it in a shoe as good luck. U.S. brides used to put a sixpence into their shoe or dress, but these days many just use a penny.

The custom of the groom giving his daughter the sixpence (or a penny) on her wedding day is widespread around the globe. Some brides add a personal touch to this wedding present by adding a coin from the date they met their future husband or the date they were born.

Finding a sixpence in her shoes is a good omen that she will be prosperous in the future. The British sixpence was a coin that circulated between 1551 to 1967. Taping an old penny to yourself will bring you good fortune. Another option is to choose a coin that represents a significant year in your life, such as the date of your birthday or the date you first met your spouse.

If you want to use this wedding rhymes in whatever way you choose, feel free to ignore the fact that the Wicked Eye is no longer a problem. Keep in mind that you should take some time to relax and enjoy yourself as the wedding day approaches.

Conclusion

Traditionally, the bride will have "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe" on her wedding day. The memorable phrase originated in a poem published in Victorian-era Lancashire, England. Another, more playful, interpretation of "something ancient" is as a metaphor for long-standing tradition. The "something blue" can be a simple as the bridesmaids wearing blue. Traditionally, the bride's parents give her a priceless item as a wedding gift.

It's likely that either your wedding gown or your new spouse will serve as the "something new" in your life. It might be anything as simple as a new belt or as complex as an entirely new outfit. On their wedding day, many grooms opt to give their brides a piece of jewellery as a gift. The bride, it is said in the urban legends, must borrow the lingerie of a married woman. A bride's "something blue" is customarily a piece of blue fabric that is sewn into her garter.

It's commonly believed that "anything borrowed" is effective against ghosts. Wearing a blue token shows your loyalty, honesty, and love. Though the British sixpence was taken out of circulation for good in 1980, some brides with a penchant for superstition may still try to track one down in the hopes of putting it in a shoe for the big day. While traditional for American brides to place a sixpence in a shoe or dress, many modern brides opt instead to use a penny. A special touch added by some is a penny from the day they first met their future spouse. If you tape a lucky penny to yourself, you'll have a good day.