03/03/2024
"Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe."
We’ve all heard it…but where did it come from & what does it mean?
According to Reader’s Digest ..the rhyme came about in the Victorian era from Lancashire, a county in England. Most of the ingredients in the rhyme are meant to ward off the evil eye, which, according to Reader's Digest, was "a curse passed through a malicious glare that could make a bride infertile."
"Something Old"
Back in the day, including something old was a sure way to ward off the evil eye and protect any future children the couple might have. But on a more general and lighthearted note, something old represents continuity. Contemporary couples use this as a chance to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry or item of clothing belonging to an older relative. Often the parents of the bride will gift her an heirloom before the ceremony.
"Something New"
This one offers optimism for the future. The couple is entering into a new chapter of their life, so walking into marriage with something new makes total sense. This can be anything, from the wedding dress to the shoes 👠.
"Something Borrowed"
Including something borrowed brings the couple good luck. By borrowing something from a happily married friend or relative, the bride or couple ensures a little of their good fortune rubs off on them. The old-fashioned superstition urged the bride to borrow the undergarments of a female friend or relative with a happy marriage and healthy kids (again with the fertility thing). But, of course, today that might not happen 😂
It’s about honoring a loved one or holding onto something of sentimental value—like your grandmother's hair accessory or your mother's diamond earrings—for a touch of good luck as you say your "I do"s.
"Something Blue"
Something blue was also meant to deflect that pesky evil eye. 🧿 The blue stands for love, purity and fidelity—what the Old English considered were three key qualities for a solid marriage. The traditional something blue was often a blue wedding garter worn beneath the bride's white dress. But you don't have to wear something blue to ward off wicked spirits. Add some little
blue flowers into the bouquet 💐, or a ribbon 🎀 in your hair. Perhaps the 🤵 can wear powder-blue tie. Use your imagination 💭!
"Sixpence in Your Shoe"
This one is extremely old school (silver coin 🪙 = to 1/2 pound. Circulation from 1551-1980) This British coin represents prosperity for couples as they start their lives together. If you can't find a sixpence coin, you can substitute it for a penny, which you can put in your shoe or tuck somewhere else into your outfit.
Traditionally, the the father of the bride👰 presents her with the sixpence (or the penny) just before she walks down the aisle as a gift of good luck. Some brides make this token extra special by using a penny from the year they were born or from the year they met their one-and-only.
While the evil eye is a thing of the past, "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" can be an entertaining tradition to follow at your wedding in whatever way works for you. Have fun with it & enjoy your happy day!
Photo: Pinterest
