What Does "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" Mean?

Good-luck charms for the bride include items that are old, new, borrowed and blue.

"Something borrowed, something blue" is part of the longer adage "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe." The maxim refers to good-luck tokens bestowed upon a bride on her wedding day.

Something Old

Heirloom jewelry is a popular way for a bride to represent her past.

The "old" item is something that connects the bride to her family and past, and represents the continuity of life as the old ways join the new.

Something New

A brand-new wedding gown can represent the new life to come.

The "new" item represents optimism about the new life being embarked upon.

Something Borrowed

Wrapping the bridal bouquet in a borrowed handkerchief is one way to "borrow" an item.

The "borrowed" item comes from a happily married friend or family member, who hopes that her good fortune in marriage will be shared by the new couple.

Something Blue

Many brides choose to wear a blue garter for their "blue" object.

The color blue has been associated with weddings for centuries by many different cultures. Brides in ancient Israel wore blue bows in their hair to signify fidelity, and brides in ancient Rome wore blue wedding gowns. In England, the color symbolizes loyalty, and it is said that those who wear blue have true love. In the United States during the Civil War, blue lace garters were indicative of virginity.

Silver Sixpence

Tucking a silver sixpence in her shoe is a wish for wealth and prosperity.

The silver sixpence to be placed in the bride's shoe symbolizes wealth and financial security.

References

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Weddings Good Things: Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue
• Piglette's Fractal Universe: Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue: Origin and Ideas