Symbols Used in Matrimony
A marriage or matrimony is a union and legal contract between two people in an interpersonal relationship, acknowledged in multiple ways depending on the culture of the people being married. Matrimony also refers to the religious sacrament that marriage represents, which is believed to be a holy expression of divine grace. Different religions view matrimony differently and the symbols used in matrimony differ accordingly. Unless your marriage is meant to be strictly religious, there is a lot of leeway in Western culture to determine what symbols you use.
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Something Old and Something New
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In Western tradition, there are several symbols that have been passed down from generation to generation. The common phrase is "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe." The "something old" represents a connection between the bride's family and its past. Wearing a family jewel or a pass-me-down dress can accomplish this. "Something new" is a representation of good fortune and success in the new life for the bride, and the item may be a new dress.
Something Borrowed and Something Blue
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"Something borrowed" shows that family and friends will support the bride when help is needed. An item of jewelry or a handkerchief works for this purpose. "Something blue" is a symbol of loyalty and faithfulness, and the bride's garter may serve this purpose. The "silver sixpence" wishes the bride happiness and financial wealth.
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Rings, Candles, Hands and Common Cup
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There are various symbols of matrimony that are religious in nature and refer to the union as a sacrament. Different religions may represent this with slightly different themes. The rings are a symbol of commitment to one another and exchanging these rings shows that any weaknesses of one partner can be buoyed up by the strengths of the other. Candles may be held by the bride and groom to represent Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and "the light of the world." The bride and groom drink from a common cup of wine to remember the miracle of Christ changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. The bride and groom join hands throughout the service to unite them and to symbolize their unity under God.
Bouquet and Rice
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The wedding bouquet is a tradition introduced in America. The person to catch the bouquet will be the next person to be married, according to folklore. Rice or confetti is thrown at the bride and groom as they leave the wedding ceremony. Rice used to represent fertility in this capacity.
Dress, Threshold and Gifts
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Another symbolic act is the groom not seeing the bride's dress the day before the wedding and the bride herself until the wedding ceremony itself. A new bride is carried over the threshold of a house to protect her from the evil spirits that may lurk in a new home. In older times, fruit was given to the bride and groom by guests to encourage fertility, but that tradition has been replaced by bringing gifts.
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- Photo Credit Wedding bouquet the bride on background of wedding dress image by Aliaksandr Zabudzko from Fotolia.com
