Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue
Whether you’ve planned or attended other people’s or your own wedding, you have most likely heard the saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. It’s a very catchy “rhyme” that actually describes some of a bride’s basic necessities on her big day. It actually comes from the Old English rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe”. This names the four objects of good luck (plus a sixpence, believed to bring prosperity) that a bride should include into her wedding outfit or to carry with her on her wedding day.
Something Old.Throughout history, including “something old” in a bride’s ensemble has been a guarantee of protection against the “Evil Eye”. This is also to protect the couple’s future children as the Evil Eye was believed to cause infertility in the bride. But more generally, “something old” stands for continuity.Marrying couples in these modern times use this as an opportunity to wear a sentimental piece – whether heirloom jewelry or vintage clothing belonging to an elder relative.
Something New. “Something new” represents optimism for the future. The couple is about to embark on a new chapter in their lives, and carrying “something new” is only befitting. This is the easiest in the known adage as it can truly be anything –the wedding dress, shoes, veil, jewelry… most everything on the bride and groom is brand new, anyway. You can accept your “something new” as a gift from someone or asa much-deserved gift for the self.
Something Borrowed.Carrying “something borrowed” on one’s wedding day is believed to bring the marrying couple good luck. By borrowing something from a happily married family or friend, you are attracting some of their good fortune to bless your union, as well. The old-fashioned version of this part of the superstition urges the bride to borrow the undergarments of someone with a happy marriage and healthy offspring. These days, it’s more about honoring a loved one or holding onto something of sentimental value. This is why your grandmother’s wedding hair comb or your mother’s engagement ring are popular ideas to bring a touch of good luck to you and your fiancé ‘s big day.
Something Blue. While wearing or carrying “something blue” also deflects the feared “Evil Eye”, the color blue symbolizes love, purity and fidelity – all very essential to a solid marriage. Traditionally, “something blue” would often be a blue garter worn underneath the bride’s wedding dress. Know that you can also highlight your bridal bouquet with a sprinkle of blue flowers, wear a gorgeous pair of blue designer heels, or tie small powderblue bows onto your wedding invitations.
While most of these superstitions may bear significance in the past, they may not be as relevant or even absolutely necessary in modern day weddings. Wedding superstitions can be fun, sure. And while it might be great to dress and act according to time-honored tradition, how seriously you take these things will depend on your personal beliefs. The most important thing to remember is that it is your wedding day and it will be one of the most memorable milestones of your life, so do all that you can to make the event as befitting and personal to you and your fiancé. Immortalize every cherished moment of your wedding day through yourwedding photography packagesSingapore. Choose aSingapore wedding photographer and/or professional wedding videographerwho appreciates symbolisms like these and can capture these along with the moments that matter most.