Old Rhymes Ring True

No matter how modern the bride, there are few who do not abide by the old rhyme: "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue", though most do not know of the forgotten last line "And a silver sixpence in her shoe."

This popular rhyme has been in use since Victorian times, with each item representing a good luck totem for the bride. The belief is that if she carries them on her wedding day, then her marriage will be a happy one.

The "something old" represents the bond the bride has with her family and her old life. The "something new" represents the couple's new life together along with their hopes and their dreams for the future. For "something borrowed" the item in question should ideally be obtained from a happily married woman, as it is meant to impart similar happiness to the bride. Lastly, the "something blue" is meant to represent fidelity and constancy. As for the forgotten last line, it is an obvious wish for wealth.

Today this rhyme is the inspiration for a number of wedding accessories, bought and borrowed, solely to fulfil the requirements. Here are a few ideas to help you get your own good luck totems.

For the "something old", a piece of jewellery, handed down from generations past is the most popular idea. One twist on this tradition is to put a photo of your grandmother or mother's wedding on one side of a silver locket, and an engagement photo of you and your intended on the other, thereby providing you with the "something new" portion of the rhyme as well.

Other interesting "something new" ideas include the key to the new home you will share or a remembrance or token from your first date, like a ticket stub or a cocktail napkin.

The "something borrowed" can be left up to the imagination of the happily married giver, but could include a monogrammed handkerchief, or something that has special meaning to the marriage of the giver.

For the "something blue", tradition has it as a blue garter. You can vie from tradition with pretty much anything blue including a blue stitched handkerchief that wraps around your bridal bouquet, or a blue ribbon worn around your waist, in your hair, tied around your neck holding your borrowed item, or even pinned inside your dress.

A fun way to give your marriage that extra "edge" for success, be sure to plan these wedding accessory items in advance so you aren't scrambling at the last minute to follow the rhyme. Superstitious as it may be, it is an endearing tradition which is performed to bring good luck to the newlywed couple.

©2007 Weddingstar Inc.