When it comes to weddings, there are many age-old traditions that couples often follow. And one tradition that has stood the test of time is the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” rhyme that has been part of weddings for centuries.
But what do these “somethings” actually mean, and why are they so important? In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the history and significance of the “something” tradition in weddings.
The Origin of “Something Borrowed, Something Blue”
The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition has its roots in an old English rhyme that dates back to the Victorian Era. The rhyme goes:
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,
And a sixpence in her shoe.”
Legend has it that these items provide good luck to the bride on her wedding day. The “something old” is meant to represent continuity, the “something new” symbolizes a fresh start, the “something borrowed” is said to bring good luck from the person who lent it, and the “something blue” represents purity, love, and fidelity.
But where did the idea of wearing “something blue” come from? In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to represent love, fidelity, and modesty. And during the Middle Ages, blue was often associated with the Virgin Mary, who was seen as the ideal model of purity and motherhood.
How to Incorporate the “Something” Tradition into Your Wedding
For many couples, the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition is an important part of their wedding day. Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate this tradition into your own wedding:
– Something old: This can be a family heirloom, such as a piece of jewelry or a veil, that has been passed down from generation to generation. Wearing something that has a special meaning to your family can be a way to honor your heritage and family traditions.
– Something new: This can be anything you’ve purchased specifically for your wedding day, such as your wedding dress, shoes, or jewelry. This item represents the new chapter in your life that you’re about to embark on as a married couple.
– Something borrowed: This item is meant to be borrowed from someone who is happily married, as a way to bring good luck to your own marriage. This could be a piece of jewelry, a veil, or even a wedding dress.
– Something blue: There are countless ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding day. You could wear blue shoes, have blue flowers in your bouquet, or even have a blue manicure. Some brides even choose to wear a blue garter as their “something blue.”
Conclusion
The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition is a time-honored part of weddings all over the world. While the rhyme may seem old-fashioned, many couples still choose to incorporate this tradition into their own wedding day as a way to honor family traditions and bring good luck to their marriage. Whatever your “something” choices may be, it’s a beautiful way to add some sentiment and tradition to your special day.
FAQ
What is the meaning of the four somethings?
The phrase “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is an age-old tradition that has been practiced by brides for centuries. This popular rhyme is believed to bring luck, fortune, and happiness to the newlyweds. Each element represents something significant and symbolic that is important to the couple. Many women are very superstitious about their wedding day and believe that following this tradition will bless their union.
The “something old” represents the bride’s past, and it could be a cherished piece of jewelry or something that has been passed down from her mother, grandmother, or other close relatives. It symbolizes the continuation of family ancestry and tradition. It is believed that incorporating something old in the wedding outfit provides the bride with a connection to her ancestors and their blessings.
The “something new” signifies the bride’s future and represents a fresh start. This element often includes the wedding dress and other new items, such as shoes, earrings, and makeup. This part of the tradition is a celebration of the couple’s future life together.
“Something borrowed” represents the love and support of family and friends. The bride is expected to borrow an item from a happily married couple, a friend, or a relative who is seen as a role model or inspiration in a successful marriage. This gesture is also associated with good luck, as it is said that borrowing an item from someone who has been happily married will bring the same happiness to the newlywed couple.
Lastly, “something blue” represents fidelity, love, and loyalty. It is common for brides to include a blue element in their wedding outfit, such as by wearing blue underwear, a blue garter or accessories. Blue has historically been seen as a symbol of purity and loyalty, and it is believed that incorporating it in the wedding outfit will bring lifelong trust and fidelity in the marriage.
The meaning behind the four somethings is significant and often emotional for brides. This tradition represents the bride’s past, present, and future, the love and support of family and friends, and the promise of loyalty and fidelity in the marriage. While some brides adhere strictly to the tradition, others may interpret the customs in their own unique way, making it a personal and meaningful part of their special day.
What are the 4 things a bride needs for her wedding?
Traditionally, there are four items that a bride should have with her on her wedding day. These items are often referred to as “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.”
“Something old” represents the bride’s link to the past, to her family and heritage. It can be a piece of jewelry that has been passed down from generation to generation, a family heirloom, or any other item that has sentimental value.
“Something new” represents the bride’s future and new beginnings. This item is often the wedding dress, but it can be any item that the bride has purchased specifically for her wedding day.
“Something borrowed” is usually an item that is borrowed from a friend or family member who is already married. It is said that this item brings good luck to the bride and represents the support and love she has from her family and friends.
“Something blue” is traditionally a blue item of clothing or accessory that the bride wears on her wedding day. Blue represents fidelity and loyalty, which are important qualities in a successful marriage.
Finally, a sixpence in the bride’s shoe is meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple. This tradition originated in England, where the father of the bride would place a sixpence in his daughter’s shoe to give her good fortune on her wedding day.
While these may seem like small and simple items, they are considered important traditions and can bring comfort to the bride on her wedding day.
Does something blue have to be worn?
There is a prevalent wedding tradition that the bride should wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” on her wedding day. While most brides focus on incorporating blue accents into their outfit or jewelry, such as a blue sash, blue shoes, blue earrings, or a blue necklace, there is no rule that dictates that the “something blue” has to be worn.
In fact, there are many creative ways to incorporate “something blue” into your wedding that don’t involve wearing it at all. You could showcase blue elements in your wedding decor, such as blue flowers, blue ribbon, blue centerpieces, or blue table settings. Another option is to incorporate blue in your wedding stationery, including blue-colored invitations, blue calligraphy, or blue envelope liners.
Moreover, some brides choose to wear blue-colored undergarments or sew a small blue heart into their dress lining, discreetly fulfilling the “something blue” requirement. Others opt to don a blue hair accessory, such as a hair clip, hair comb, or a hairpiece.
The tradition of wearing “something blue” on your wedding day is meant to bring good luck, and it’s up to each bride to decide how to incorporate the color. So, if you’re not a fan of blue or don’t want to wear it, don’t fret. You can still incorporate the color in other ways to stay true to tradition and bring good fortune to your wedding day.
