Wedding Etiquette in Scotland
Scottish wedding history goes back as early as the 13th century. While many traditions have remained part of medieval history, many have carried over into modern day. Prewedding festivities, traditional ceremonies and receptions as well as the wedding dress are all elements heavily rooted in Scottish custom. Much etiquette surrounds a bride and groom's wedding day as it relates to the traditions that are so distinct to this Celtic land.
Other People Are Reading
-
Before the Wedding
-
Before a Scottish bride and groom even make it to the altar, the bride's mother and father will host a "show of presents" in their home to display the couple's wedding gifts to friends and family. Comparable to a bridal shower in the United States, guests give these gifts to couples with the intent to get them started in their first home together. Guests of the wedding, neighbors and other acquaintances will stop by the bride's mother's home to see the gifts showcased.
Traditional Dress
-
The Highland kilt is an integral part of the groom and his groomsmen's dress during the wedding ceremony. Paired with a kilt jacket and a sporran, the men draw upon their Celtic heritage. Should the wedding ceremony take place in the morning, as many Scottish weddings do, the groom may pair the kilt with a black argyle jacket. The men's traditional wedding outfits draw upon Scotland's grand and regal histories.
-
Wedding Procession
-
The Scottish wedding procession is incredibly regal, featuring bagpipes, flower petal throws and more. As the bride and her party make her way to the church for the wedding ceremony, tradition says that if she encounters a pig or a funeral en route, that she must turn around and begin the procession again.
After the wedding ceremony, guests will throw flower petals at the bride and groom to shower the couple with best wishes for fertility.
Reception
-
Scottish wedding receptions can last until the late hours of night. As the celebration winds down, the bride will toss her bouquet, typically comprised of white roses, over her left shoulder. According to tradition, the single female guest who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry.
As the couple prepares to depart the reception, guests gather in a circle and send the couple off with the traditional song, "Auld Lang Syne."
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
-
While many Scottish wedding customs have evolved over the years, one that continues to hold steadfast and has carried over to other cultures is the act of the groom carrying his new bride over the threshold. Originally intended to keep evil spirits from entering his wife's feet at the foot of the doorway, the act now symbolizes the couple's beginning of their life together in their new home.
-
References
- Photo Credit playing the bagpipe image by Joy Fera from Fotolia.com
