Origins of Common Wedding Traditions

As one might expect, we have forgotten the bases for many of our wedding traditions. Many of them come from a hodge-podge of sources, as they spread throughout Europe and came down to us over time. Learning about the origins of our wedding traditions help us better understand ourselves, and they can also add deeper meaning to the ceremonies that we take part in.

The Term “Tying the Knot”

This comes from a variety of sources. In many cultures and throughout history, knots have been used to symbolize a binding together. Handfasting ceremonies, similar to those practiced in ancient pagan religions, are remembered in today’s Wicca ceremonies. (Although it should be noted that a handfasting was not a binding marriage. It was more of a trial for a year and a day. If the couple wished to part after the time, they did so, if not, they were married more permanently.) Other cultures that used tying in ceremonies include Oriental (ribbons or sashes) and Polynesian (garlands of flowers).

A variation on tying the knot comes from ancient Rome where the bride was hemmed in by a girdle fastened by a profusion of tiny knots. Before the groom could consummate the marriage, he had to untie all of those tiny knots.

Wedding Bands

Most people know that engagement rings started as tokens that a man had “purchased” his bride, along with a dowry and often with social status or land. Wedding bands, however, come from a different source. In ancient Egypt married couples wore bands to symbolize their unending love (since a ring has no beginning and no end). The rings were made of gold, as that was the metal that represented purity. During the Middle Ages, the ring began being worn on the third finger of the left hand, as it was believed that there was a vein there that went directly to the heart.

Bridal Shower

When a bride’s friends and relatives gathered to help her get ready for the wedding, they often brought small gifts. During the reign of Queen Victoria (during the 1800s) the bride’s friends put these gifts inside a parasol. The parasol was then opened above the bride’s head and she was “showered” with gifts.

Cans to the Car Bumper

After the couple was married, the tradition during the Middle Ages was to make as much noise as possible. This was meant to ward off evil spirits, who hated the noise. Pots, pans, cowbells, and a lot of yelling were used to celebrate and scare the evil spirits away. Today that noise is simulated by cans tied to the bumper of the car.