The White Bridal Dress Married in White, you have chosen right, Married in Blue, your love will always be true, Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl, Married in Brown, you will live in town, Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead, Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow, Married in Green, ashamed to be seen, Married in Pink, your spirit will sink, Married in Grey, you will go far away, Married in Black, you will wish yourself back. Symbolizing purity and virginity, the while bridal gown is a tradition that almost all brides follow today. This tradition started in the 16th century. Before that, the bride was free to wear the color of her choice, although certain colors were frowned upon. For instance, green was supposed to imply a girl of loose morals while red and black were symbolic of witchcraft. The tradition of wearing white to a wedding was further boosted when Queen Victoria chose white as the color of her bridal dress over the traditional silver. Even in these modern times, where many traditions and customs have fallen by the wayside, this is one tradition that refuses to go away.
Wedding Traditions
and their Origins By CHLOE AMBROSIA MILLER
The Bridal Veil In ancient times, besides symbolizing ‘maidenly modesty’, the bridal veil was also supposed to ward off evil spirits. Quite possibly, it was also meant to ensure that the groom did not see the bride before the ceremony, just in case he didn’t like what he saw. Remember that in old times, most marriages were arranged (sometimes for social and political considerations) and in many cases the bride and groom didn’t get to see each other before the wedding. Hence the bridal veil was quite possibly also intended to avoid disappointing the groom just before the ceremony, in case it resulted in an embarrassing reaction. The veil would be lifted once the ceremony was over, and of course by then it would be too late. Today the veil is merely ornamental and only serves to make the bridal dress more special.
The Bridal Bouquet Originally, the bridal bouquet was not made of flowers but of herbs and spices. The aroma from the bouquet was supposed to ward off evil spirits. 54
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