This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
You could see in movies or TV series how the bride tries to find «something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue» before the wedding. For many, it looks like a cute wedding ritual, but behind these words is an ancient Victorian tradition with rich symbolism.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe”
This rhyme was born in England, in the county of Lancashire, back in the 19th century. It was first recorded in print in 1871. It was believed that such little things would protect the young woman from the evil eye and ensure a happy marriage. Each of the elements had its own meaning:
- something old symbolized a connection with family and the past;
- something new <TAG1> the beginning of life together and hope for the future;
- something borrowed <TAG1> good luck from a happily married woman;
- something blue <TAG1> fidelity and purity;
- a sixpence in a shoe he had to promise material well-being.
From England, the rhyme quickly migrated to the US, where it became an almost obligatory element of wedding culture. In Scotland and Ireland, a sixpence is sometimes added as a sign of good luck. Today, the tradition is known throughout the English-speaking world, and thanks to cinema and television — and far beyond.
Even British princesses did not miss this custom.
- Kate Middleton for her wedding to Prince William in 2011, she had 19th century lace as «something old», earrings from her parents as «something new», a Cartier tiara borrowed from Queen Elizabeth as «something borrowed» and a blue ribbon sewn to her dress as «something blue».
- Meghan Markle in 2018, the rhyme was also followed: «old» was a piece of fabric from Princess Diana's wedding dress, «new» — her Givenchy dress, «borrowed» — Queen Mary's tiara, and «blue» — Diana's aquamarine ring and forget-me-nots in a bouquet.
There are no similar rhymes in Europe, but symbolic rites exist everywhere. In Germany, newlyweds arrange Polterabend and break dishes «for good luck». In Scotland and Ireland, handfasting is practiced, with brides' hands bandaged as a sign of unity. In Italy, the bride sometimes chooses a green detail as a symbol of good luck, and in ancient Ireland even blue wedding clothes were considered blessed.
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