White wedding dress: White wedding dress was the most popular in Victorian era. At that time, Queen Victoria married her sweetheart in a beautiful white wedding dress. Since then, the white wedding dress has swept the world, and it is still the most popular wedding dress for girls, because it symbolizes purity and loyalty. Before Queen Victoria, brides didn't pay attention to color, even black, as long as they looked good.
Engagement ring: According to the custom in western Europe, engagement ring is only a part of the dowry given to the woman by the man a long time ago. Its essence is a bit like the down payment when we buy valuables now. If that man breaks his word, the ring will not be returned.
Wedding ring: The wedding ring should be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It is said that the nerve on this finger is directly connected with the heart. Wearing a ring from your lover on your hand is equivalent to putting your lover in your heart.
Wear the new with the old, gold with blue: When the bride gets married, she should not only wear a brand-new and beautiful wedding dress, but also wear old garters given by married women, borrowed gold coins symbolizing the sun, and blue items symbolizing the moon (because Diana, the goddess of the moon, is regarded as the patron saint of women). It is said that only in this way can good luck come.
Welsh love key: In the past, Welsh men spent most of their time at sea. They will choose a good piece of wood and carve a "love key" by themselves. This "love key" symbolizes love, wealth, loyalty and dedication, and is a kind of love thing. The "love key" is rich in styles and carved patterns, with different images and ingenuity. It depends on how smart the young man is, how skillful his hands are and how deep his love is. After returning from the sea, the young man will dedicate this "love key" to the girl he has long admired. Today, it is still a symbol of love, but it is not limited to making promises. It can be given as a "love key" on birthdays, wedding anniversaries or other special occasions.
Wedding dress: used to cover the bride's face in case her old lover is jealous and ruin the wedding.
Garter: Actually, the function of garter is not only to pray for good luck, but also to help the bride avoid the trouble of making a new house. In the past, when the bride and groom entered the bridal chamber, all the guests would follow them. Now the custom has changed a lot, and only a few close guests can enter the bridal chamber to have fun with the bride. In order to stop the guests who make trouble in the bridal chamber, the groom will take off the bride's garter and throw it at them, and take the opportunity to close the bedroom door in the midst of laughter and chaos.
Horseshoe: In Britain and other western countries, brides often tie horseshoes on their wrists with ribbons. Legend has it that Saint Dunstan once put magic on the horseshoe and the devil's feet. The devil begged for mercy and promised never to set foot in a house with horseshoes again, so horseshoes had the function of avoiding evil spirits. Nowadays, horseshoes have become a symbol of good luck and many children.
Wedding reception: bridesmaids and groomsmen should dress up as the bride and groom, which is said to deceive the bride and groom's old lovers, so that they can't tell the bride and groom apart, thus making the wedding reception go smoothly. There is also a saying that it is to deceive evil spirits and prevent them from hurting new people.
Bouquet throwing: The bride throws the bouquet backwards with her back to everyone, and whoever is lucky enough to receive it is the next person to get married. This is a very exciting moment!
Wedding cake: In the past, the top layer of the wedding cake was specially reserved and hidden under the bed of the new house, praying for the bride to have more healthy children. A year later, the bride and groom took out the cake and ate it together. This will bless their health and all the best. Needless to say, this custom is out of fashion now, but some newlyweds still keep cakes in the refrigerator until their first wedding anniversary.
Honey wine: On the wedding night, the bride and groom will drink honey wine. This is a custom handed down from the Middle Ages. It is said that drinking mead can make many children more blessed. If the bride gives birth to a child after 10 months of marriage, it will be a great honor for the people who brew honey wine. The winemaker will gain great fame and business, and his name will be used as the name of the newborn.
Sprinkle sugar: almonds wrapped in sugar are often sprinkled at weddings, which indicates that marriage is both bitter and sweet. The candy sprinkled must be odd, which is considered to bring good luck to the couple.