In ancient times people were more faithful in different strengths. They believed that all their deeds caused the definite reaction of ghosts. Formerly it was believed that during wedding people were particularly susceptable to bad luck and evil spirits. Today there are many superstitions concerning weddings. But many of them are only modern version of real believes.
For example such traditions as wearing something blue, something old or not seeing the groom before the ceremony are well-known throughout the world. Let’s think about the meaning of such traditions: blue is an image of heavenly purity; wearing something old is honouring our grannies and granddads, as respect to previous generations.
Other traditions are not so popular and may be of national, local or even family value. There are believes that doing or avoiding something people will bring good luck and happiness in their families or draw misfortune upon himself and his relatives. There are a lot of customs concerning ceremony of proposal, choosing the day for wedding, a style of wedding dress, veil, flowers, bridesmaids, the best men, wedding cake, honeymoon and many others.
Proposal
In the past marriage proposal was a more formal and more serious procedure than nowadays. A young man asked his close friends or relatives to express his feelings and intentions concerning his beloved woman and her family. It was said that seeing a blind man, a monk or a pregnant woman during their journey meant bad luck, so that the marriage won’t be successful. If they met nanny goats, pigeons or wolves these considered to be good omens which would bring happiness to the marriage.
During Medieval times in Brittany if the man wanted to make a proposition he left a hawthorn branch at the door of his beloved on the first of May. If she shared his feelings and accepted his proposal – she should leave the branch at the door. If she wanted to refuse – she replaced the hawthorn branch with a cauliflower.
Surname
It considered unlucky for awoman to marry man whose surname began with the same letter as hers. Another custom said that bride should not practice writing her new name before the wedding. It was as though she tempted fate.
Right day for getting married
In the past great significance was given to choosing a right day for the wedding. Most weddings now take place on Saturday. Our ancestry considered this day for wedding ceremony unlucky like Friday the 13th.
A famous old verse advises to appoint a wedding on the first part of the week:
Monday for wealth
Tuesday for health
Wednesday the best day of all
Thursday for losses
Friday for crosses
Saturday for no luck at all
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