Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence for her shoe.
This is a
good luck saying which dates back to the Victorian era. Many brides will try to ensure that
they have something of each in their wedding outfit.
Something
Old is meant to represent the link with the bride's own
family and the past - particularly her mother or grandmother or even more distant
relations. Something old is symbolic of continuity. To symbolize this link,
brides may choose to wear a piece of antique family jewelery which belonged to
the relative or a locket with photos of parents or grandparents.
Alternately, they may select something from the mother's or grandmother's
wedding gown. Other things that may be chosen include a handkerchief, a scarf
or a piece of lace.
Something
New represents optimism, good luck, and success - and the bride’s hopes
for a bright future in her new married life. The wedding gown is often chosen
as the new item but it could be anything that is purchased new for the wedding - such as the wedding flowers or the wedding rings. Wearing a new item on your
wedding day conveys the message that you and your husband are creating a new
union that will endure forever.
Something
Borrowed is meant to represent to the bride that friends and family
will be there for her on the special day and in the future when help is needed.
"Borrowing" is especially important, since it has to come from a
happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital
happiness to carry into the new marriage. Anything can be borrowed, but it must
be returned afterwards.
Something
Blue, in ancient times, is the symbol of faithfulness, purity
and loyalty. Often a blue item is the garter and in olden times the couple wore
blue bands on the border of their wedding attire to denote purity, love and
fidelity.
And the Silver Sixpence
for her shoe is is a
wish for good fortune and prosperity in the couple’s married life.
