The Significance of the Silver Sixpence:-
The often unquoted last line of the traditional bridal saying gives a hint at its origin. The complete phrase is: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence for her shoe." A sixpence is a coin made of silver and worth six pennies that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1970, indicating that the wedding traditi
on of the bride wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue is English. Many sources say that it began in the Victorian era. Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolises continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. Blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolise love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the colour. And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security normally given to the bride by the person giving her away. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be placed in the left shoe.
