If you have ever attended a Southern wedding, you might have seen a couple burying a bottle of bourbon at the location of the ceremony. While it might seem like a strange tradition, this practice has a long history in the South. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of burying bourbon and why many Southern couples continue to do it today.
The Origins of Burying Bourbon
Burying bourbon is a tradition that is said to have originated in Kentucky, the birthplace of bourbon. It is believed that the tradition started with Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Colonel Sanders is said to have buried a bottle of bourbon at the site of his grandson’s wedding in the hopes of bringing good weather.
Others trace the tradition back to the Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in the South and brought with them the tradition of “wetting the baby’s head.” This involved burying a bottle of whiskey at the site of a child’s birth, to be later dug up and shared with family and friends.
While the exact origins of burying bourbon before a wedding are unclear, it is clear that the tradition is deeply rooted in Southern culture.
The Tradition Today
Today, many Southern couples continue to bury a bottle of bourbon before their wedding day. This is done in the hopes of ensuring good weather and a happy marriage.
The rules of burying bourbon are simple. The bottle must be buried upside down, so that the cork is pointing downward. It must be buried exactly one month before the wedding, at the same time of day that the ceremony will take place. The bottle must be buried at the exact spot where the ceremony will take place.
On the day of the wedding, the bottle is dug up and shared with the wedding party. It is said that the bride and groom must take the first sip together for good luck.
Does Burying Bourbon Really Work?
While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that burying bourbon will influence the weather, many Southern couples swear by this tradition. According to some, it has never rained on a buried bourbon wedding ceremony.
There are also many factors that contribute to the success of a wedding day, such as good planning and a positive attitude. It is likely that the act of burying bourbon is simply a fun and meaningful tradition that adds to the celebration of the day.
Conclusion
The tradition of burying bourbon before a wedding has been passed down through generations of Southern families. It is a testament to the enduring nature of Southern culture and the importance of family and tradition.
While it may not work as a guarantee against bad weather, it is still a meaningful and fun tradition that many Southern couples continue to uphold. Next time you attend a Southern wedding, take note of whether the couple buries bourbon or not. Perhaps it will bring you good luck as well.
FAQ
Why did the groom throw coins at the wedding?
Throwing coins at a wedding is a long-standing tradition that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that this tradition was first started in ancient Rome where guests would throw grains, nuts, and coins over the bride and groom as symbols of fertility, prosperity, and good luck. Over time, this tradition has evolved and has been adopted by different cultures around the world.
In some cultures, especially in the Middle East, it is customary for the groom to throw coins or candy at the guests during the wedding reception. This is done as a way of thanking guests for coming and sharing in the joy of the occasion. It is also a way of showing generosity and hospitality which are highly valued in these cultures.
However, in some cultures, the act of throwing coins at a wedding has a deeper spiritual meaning. For example, in Greek tradition, the father of the bride drops coins at the feet of the happy couple to symbolize wealth and prosperity for the new household. Similarly, in Indian tradition, coins are thrown over the couple’s heads to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck to the couple.
In some African cultures, throwing coins at a wedding is believed to bring good fortune not just to the couple but to the entire village. For example, in some Nigerian cultures, guests are encouraged to throw money at the couple during the wedding ceremony. This money is then collected and used to fund community projects or to support the couple in their early years of marriage.
In modern times, the tradition of throwing coins has taken on a different meaning. It is thought to bring strong financial stability to the new couple. Nowadays, there are a few moderations to this, such as the groom throwing coins out of the car as he drives away with his new bride, or the father of the bride throwing money after the newly-weds.
The tradition of throwing coins at a wedding has served as a symbol of prosperity, good luck, hospitality, and spiritual protection throughout the ages. While the reason for this practice may vary from culture to culture, the underlying message is one of hope, happiness and prosperity for the newlyweds, their families and their communities.
What is the wedding tradition for good weather?
One of the most common wedding traditions for good weather is to bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down at the wedding venue precisely one month before the wedding day. This practice is believed to be a good-luck charm, especially for couples who dread rainy weather for their big day. According to the tradition, the bourbon bottle must be buried upside down to guarantee a snow-free, sunny day on the wedding day.
The origin of the bourbon burying tradition varies depending on which region of the world you ask. One story claims that the idea comes from a southern US tradition, where burying the bourbon is a practice that’s meant to ward off the storms. Believers in the tradition believe that the act of burying a full bottle of bourbon before the wedding will ensure good weather on the big day.
However, it’s important to note that the tradition requires the bourbon to be of high quality. Cheaper, off-brand bourbons can’t be used as they may not be as effective as their high-quality counterparts. Additionally, once the bottle has been dug up, it’s typically shared with the wedding party and the couple’s family members and friends.
Burying a bottle of high-quality bourbon upside down one month before the wedding day is the wedding tradition for good weather. Although it’s unclear how successful this tradition is in ensuring good weather for a wedding, it’s commonly practiced by couples across various parts of the world as a fun way to bring out some luck in their favor.
What culture throws money at the bride?
The practice of showering the bride with money during the wedding reception is a tradition that is prevalent in many cultures around the world. One such culture that has a particularly unique practice of throwing money at the bride is Greek culture. This tradition is known as the Greek Money Shower and takes place during a special dance where guests pin money to the bride’s dress.
The origins of the Greek Money Shower can be traced back to ancient times, where it was believed that showering the bride with money could help bring her good luck, prosperity, and fertility. Over time, this practice has evolved into a more modern tradition where the money is pinned onto the bride’s dress during a fun and energetic dance.
The Greek Money Shower is typically performed in smaller villages in Greece, where traditional customs and practices are more commonly observed. The bride will typically wear a dress that has been specially designed with a ribbon or sash attached to it, which is used to hold the money. The dance usually takes place towards the end of the reception when the bride and groom are seated, and their guests surround them, forming a circle.
During the dance, guests take turns pinning money onto the bride’s dress while dancing around her. In some cases, the groom may also join in the dance and dance with the guests. The amount of money that is pinned onto the bride’s dress can vary, but it is often a custom for the guests to pin larger bills or coins.
In America, the Greek Money Shower has been adapted into a more modern tradition known as the “money dance.” During this dance, the bride and groom dance together while guests pin money onto the bride’s dress or tuck it into the groom’s jacket pocket. This tradition is believed to have originated from the Greek Money Shower and has become a popular tradition at many American weddings.
The Greek tradition of throwing money at the bride during the wedding reception is a unique and exciting practice that has been passed down through generations. This tradition has evolved over time, but the sentiment remains the same. Showering the bride with money is seen as a way to bring good luck and fortune to the newlyweds, and it is an excellent way for guests to show their love and support to the happy couple.
What do the 13 coins in a wedding mean?
The use of 13 coins or arras in a wedding ceremony dates back centuries and is an important tradition in many cultures around the world. These coins represent Christ and his 12 apostles and are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the newly married couple.
In a traditional wedding ceremony, the coins are often carried by a child or presented to the priest during the exchanging of vows. The groom then presents the coins to his bride as a symbol of his commitment to support and provide for his family. This exchange is often accompanied by a prayer or blessing from the priest, asking for God’s blessings upon the couple and their future together.
The use of 13 coins in a wedding ceremony is deeply symbolic. The number 13 represents Christ and his 12 apostles, with the groom symbolizing Christ and the bride taking on the role of one of his apostles. The coins themselves represent the material possessions that the groom is entrusting to his bride, as well as his willingness to share his wealth and provide for his family.
In some cultures, the coins are used as a way of solemnizing the marriage contract. The groom recites a pledge, promising to fulfill his duties as a husband and provider, while the bride accepts the coins as a tangible symbol of his commitment. The exchange of coins is often followed by a dance or celebration, signaling the start of the wedding reception and the beginning of the new couple’s life together.
The use of 13 coins in a wedding ceremony is a beautiful tradition that symbolizes the commitment, trust, and mutual respect that a couple shares as they embark on the journey of marriage. While the coins themselves may not hold any monetary value, their deeper meaning and symbolism make them a cherished part of many wedding ceremonies around the world.
What is the tradition of throwing coins?
The tradition of throwing coins into fountains or wells is an age-old practice that has its roots in ancient times. The idea behind this tradition is to propitiate luck or fortune by making an offering to divine beings residing in water bodies such as fountains, wells, or even waterfalls.
The belief that water was inhabited by deities was prevalent in many civilizations, and people often considered fountains, rivers, and other water sources as sacred. It was believed that throwing a coin into the water would appease the water god or spirit, and it would bless the thrower with fortune or good luck.
The throwing of coins was also considered as an act of generosity and kindness, as it was believed to be an offering to the less fortunate who would collect the coins and benefit from the giver’s good deeds. In some cultures, throwing coins in water bodies was also believed to ward off evil spirits and promote cleansing and purification.
Over time, the tradition of throwing coins into fountains and wells has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. Many countries have iconic fountains, such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, or the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, where people throw coins and make wishes.
Despite the apparent superstitious nature of this practice, the tradition of throwing coins into fountains or wells has persisted through time and continues to be a fascinating cultural phenomenon. Whether you believe in the power of fate or not, one cannot deny the charm and mystique surrounding this age-old tradition.
What is the Mexican coin tradition for weddings?
In traditional Mexican culture, the wedding day is considered one of the most important events in the couple’s lives. One of the unique traditions that is commonly observed during such ceremonies is the Mexican coin tradition. According to this practice, the groom presents the bride with an ornate box filled with 13 gold coins known as “arras.” These coins represent Jesus and his disciples, with the number 13 being symbolic of Jesus and his 12 apostles. The coins are also meant to symbolize the groom’s commitment to provide for his family and ensure that they never fall into poverty.
The coins used in the Mexican coin tradition are typically given to the groom by his padrinos, who are the godparents of the wedding. These padrinos play an important role in Mexican weddings, as they are responsible for providing financial and emotional support to the couple throughout their married life. The padrinos bless the coins, which are then presented to the bride during the wedding ceremony.
During the ceremony, the bride holds the coins, and the groom takes her hands and recites a pledge to support her and their future family. After he recites the pledge, he places the coins in her hands as a symbol of his commitment. The coins are then poured into a beautiful ornate chest, which is usually made of silver or other precious metals.
The arras, or coins, are not just a part of the ceremony but are also a family heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation. It is a symbol of family wealth and the importance of financial stability in maintaining a strong marital relationship. The tradition of the Mexican coin box has been passed down through generations of Mexican families, and it remains a cherished part of Mexican wedding traditions. It serves as a reminder to the couple that they should not only cherish each other but also their families and their future together.