What is the history behind the tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…”?
You might be familiar with the tradition of needing “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Sixpence In Your Shoe!” for your wedding day.
This saying has been a significant inspiration behind one of the most enduring wedding customs for many years.
Do you like wedding traditions?
Several traditions regarding weddings and all wedding-related events have stood the test of time.
Among these, the saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe” holds a special place.
Each item symbolizes a different aspect of the bride’s life and is meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the marriage.
The tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is a popular wedding custom that dates back to Victorian England.
Each item is said to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day.
Most of the elements in the verse aimed to protect against the evil eye.
It was believed a curse could be transmitted through a hostile gaze that could affect a bride’s fertility.
We don’t want that.
So who is supposed to give the bride “Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue”?
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Ideas For Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
The tradition of giving the bride something old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something blue is a popular custom believed to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day.
Each item symbolizes a different aspect of the bride’s life as she enters marriage.
Here is a breakdown and ideas for “Something Borrowed, Something Blue, New And Old”:
Something Old
Starting with “something old,” this item represents continuity with the past and the bride’s family history.
In the past, incorporating something old was believed to ward off the evil eye and safeguard any children the couple might have in the future.
But now, it simply means continuity.
It could be anything like a piece of jewelry passed down through generations or a vintage accessory with sentimental value to the family.
Examples of “Something Old” wedding items:
- Family Heirloom
- Wedding Band
- Blue wedding clutch
- Parents’ or grandparents’ photos to hang on your bouquet
- Locket of grandparents for the bouquet
- Antique hairpin
- Restore old wedding dress
Something New
“Something new” signifies optimism for the future and the new life the bride and groom will create together.
It is the hope for the future of the marriage.
This item is often the wedding dress itself or a new piece of jewelry gifted by a loved one.
It can also be a new pair of wedding shoes or any new item the bride incorporates into her attire for the special day.
It has to be new.
Examples of “Something New” wedding items:
- Wedding Dress
- Wedding Shoes
- Wedding Jewelry
- Hairpiece
- Veil
- Blue lingerie
- Blue Ring Pillow
- Bridesmaids in Blue
- Get-Ready blue outfits
- Sapphire ring
- A blue ring box
Something Borrowed
Moving on to “Something Borrowed,” this tradition is about borrowing happiness from someone else’s successful marriage.
Borrowed items are usually lent by a happily married friend or family member to impart some of their marital bliss onto the new bride.
It could be a veil or jewelry borrowed from a happily married friend or family member.
This could be a veil, a hair accessory, or even a piece of jewelry.
Examples of “Something Borrowed” wedding items:
- Pearls
- Bracelet
- Veil from a friend/family
- Cake cutting knife
- Blue cufflinks for the groom
- Rent a getaway vintage car
Something Blue
Finally, “something blue” symbolizes love, purity, and fidelity.
Blue has been associated with weddings for centuries, and brides often incorporate it into their attire through blue ribbons, jewelry, or even shoes.
In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize these qualities.
The bride can incorporate this colour through a blue ribbon in her bouquet, wearing cute blue wedding shoes, or even sapphire jewelry.
It nods to tradition and adds colour to the bridal ensemble.
Examples of “Something Blue” wedding items:
- Something Blue Crew
- Blue Wedding Shoes
- Blue hairpin
- Blue nails
- Blue garter
- A Tie or Bow Tie
- A wedding bouquet wrapped in a blue ribbon /or blue jewelry
Meaning of Sixpence in Your Shoe
This represents wealth and financial security for the bride and her future family.
Placing a sixpence in the bride’s shoe is believed to bring good fortune and ensure the couple will have a happy and prosperous life together.
If you can’t find a sixpence coin for the traditional wedding custom, don’t worry, as a penny is a great alternative.
Dating back to Victorian times, placing a sixpence in the bride’s shoe symbolized wealth and good fortune for the newlyweds.
While the coin may change, the meaning is still the same.
Who gives the bride something old, new, borrowed, and blue?
The items were usually gathered from women in the bride’s family or close female friends with successful marriages and families.
Traditionally, “something borrowed” was often an undergarment from a woman who already had children (don’t do that now), and “something blue” typically referred to a garter belt worn under the bride’s dress (don’t do this either), preferably from a married woman or mother.
The sixpence was customarily presented to the bride by her father to be placed in her shoe.
In modern weddings, couples still embrace these traditions, putting their unique twist on them.
Whether it’s a vintage brooch worn as “something old,” a brand-new pair of shoes as “something new,” a borrowed veil from a dear friend, or a subtle touch of blue to the bouquet, these traditions add a touch of charm and meaning to the wedding day.
So, as you plan your special day, remember the significance behind “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” and the timeless charm it brings to the celebration of love and unity.
Will you follow the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe” tradition?
If so, leave a comment with what items you will be using.
We would love to hear from you.
Read:
- Tips for picking bridesmaids
- How many bridesmaids should I have?
- Blessing of the Hands reading
- Powerful spiritual reasons to get married
- Canadian wedding traditions
- The night before wedding traditions
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