January 28, 2019 - When Clara and I married years ago, she was insistent that she live up to the old adage that goes “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. She had to borrow a couple of the items to complete the list. I never thought about it very much until lately. I began to wonder where does this rhyming wedding tradition come from, and what does it mean? A little research provided me with the following information that might be of interest to you.
This tradition derives from an Old English rhyme dating back to around 1883. The full rhyme is as follows:
Something Olde,
Something New,
Something Borrowed,
Something Blue,
A Sixpence in Your Shoe.
The rhyme names five good-luck objects meant to bring prosperity to the bride who carries them on her wedding day. But, how could these items bring good luck?
“Something old” – Back in the olden days including “something old” was a sure way to ward off the Evil Eye and protect any future children the couple might have. The Evil Eye was thought to cause infertility in the bride. But more generally, “something old” represents continuity. Contemporary couples use this as a chance to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry, or an item of clothing belonging to an older relative.
“Something new” – This offers optimism for the future. The couple is about to enter into a new chapter in life, so walking into marriage with “something new” makes total sense. It can be anything, including the wedding dress, veil, jewelry, or shoes. It could be a gift from someone else, or the result of a treat-yourself moment.
“Something borrowed” – This one is supposed to bring the couple good luck. By borrowing something from a happily married friend, the bride is ensured a little of their good fortune rubs off on her. Superstition urged the bride to borrow the undergarments of a female friend with a happy marriage and healthy kids for a touch of good luck as you say your “I dos.”
“Something blue” – The color blue stands for love, purity, and fidelity – three key qualities for a solid marriage. The traditional “blue” was often a blue garter worn beneath the bride’s white dress. Of course, the bride could address this item by sprinkling blue clematis into the bouquet, pick out a gorgeous pair of blue pumps, or find a powder-blue bow tie, or use blue ribbon to tie her invitations together, just because she feels like it.
“The sixpence” – This was a silver British coin. It was a symbol of prosperity or acted as a ward against evil done by frustrated suitors. This superstition is known since 1883 when it was attributed to the English County of Lancashire. The usual effect on the bride of the Evil Eye is to render her barren. Both the “sixpence” and the “something borrowed” are devices to baffle the Evil Eye.
So, there you have them, but do not stress over them. They are not meant to dictate your wedding style, or inspire a hunt for the perfect “somethings." They are usually small tokens of love that your mother, sister, other relatives, or attendants will give you at the eleventh hour.
And now, of course, this sweet tradition extends far beyond trinkets for the bride. The groom can sport a blue tie, or borrow their grandfather’s cuff links. Bridesmaids can wear blue and act as the bride’s “something blue.” Now days most anything goes — you name it.
So, there you have the meaning of this old wedding rhyme. If any of you readers are planning a wedding in the near future, you might do well to include all these items in your plans. You surely don’t want the “Evil Eye” after you because you didn’t.
