| There are many traditions involved in getting | | | | background, bridal jewelry can have religious, |
| married. From "jumping the broom" to borrowing | | | | superstitious, or sentimental origins. The traditional |
| a piece of bridal jewelry-the traditions are many. | | | | wedding band is a symbol of the bride and |
| Most people practice wedding traditions without | | | | groom's eternal love for one another. In Western |
| having a full understanding of their origins. Have | | | | culture, wedding rings are worn on the third finger |
| you ever wondered why the bride walks down | | | | of the left-hand because the Romans believed |
| the aisle on a white aisle runner? History tells us | | | | that this finger has a direct link to the heart. In |
| that using an aisle runner helps to ward off evil | | | | some countries, the engagement ring is worn on |
| spirits. It was once believed that evil spirits lived | | | | the left hand and is transferred to the right hand |
| beneath the floor and in order to keep the spirits | | | | after the couple is married. |
| away from the bride, the white runner was used | | | | It is a common practice for the bride to toss her |
| to protect her purity. Today, the aisle runner is | | | | bouquet after the wedding ceremony. In England, |
| used to protect the brides dress from getting | | | | the women would attempt to tare remnants |
| dirty. | | | | from the bride's gown and bouquet in order to |
| What does the unity candle symbolize? The | | | | gain good luck. In an effort to escape these |
| lighting of the unity candle is a portion of the | | | | women, the bride would toss her bouquet in the |
| wedding ceremony, which symbolizes the coming | | | | air and run for dear life. Today, catching a tossed |
| together of two individuals. The side candles | | | | bouquet symbolizes that the holder will get |
| represent the bride and groom, while the center | | | | married next. This superstition has evolved from |
| candle is symbolic of their lives coming together | | | | a brides attempt to get away from her female |
| as one. Often, the center unity candle is | | | | guests to a fun celebratory episode between |
| embellished with two metallic rings to represent | | | | family and friends. |
| the bride and groom's bridal jewelry. Some | | | | These are just a few examples of the many |
| couples have chosen to use the lighting of the | | | | wedding traditions in which we participate. |
| unity candle as a demonstration of both families | | | | Understanding the symbolism behind the aisle |
| uniting. In this case, the parents are invited to | | | | runner, unity candle, bridal jewelry, and tossing the |
| participate during this portion of the ceremony. | | | | bouquet are important. Why follow a practice that |
| Jewelry plays an important role in wedding | | | | you really do not identify with? |
| ceremonies. Depending on the era and cultural | | | | |