Wedding talk

Did you know that back in the 1500s (according to an email I received) most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June? However, because they were starting to smell (I suppose towards the end of June), brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide their body odor. Hence, the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Hand bouquet arranged by Buds and Bees, KL

Fast forward to 1999, I know I smelled pretty good in June and the bouquet I carried definitely was not chosen to mask any odors that may have secreted from me on that hot afternoon. Besides, the flowers I had would not have done the job well.

Bouquet/posies for the bridal car arranged by the bride

At one time, I thought that wedding rings were only worn on the fourth finger of the left hand but when we moved to Germany, I found that my cousin was using hers on the fourth finger of her right hand. Now I wonder, if some are not aware of such differences, could they have missed their chances based on a ring? It could have been someone from a different culture who fancied another but didn't dare make a move because of the 'ring that binds'. Then again, for some, the ring does not really deter. They will make a move, regardless. :)

In some countries (UK, other Commonwealth nations, Japan, Korea, Ireland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Iran, Chile, Italy, France, Sweden, Finland and Slovenia), the wedding ring is worn on the left hand. This choice of finger relates to traditions purportedly dating to classical times, from an early usage reportedly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or "vein of love". At least in part due to this tradition, it became acceptable to wear the wedding ring on this finger. By wearing rings on the fourth finger of their left hands, a married couple symbolically declares their eternal love for each other. This has now become a matter of tradition and etiquette in these countries.

In other countries such as Germany, Norway, Greece, Russia, Spain, Peru, Slovakia, India, Colombia, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Poland, however, it is worn on the right hand. Orthodox Christians and Eastern Europeans also traditionally wear the wedding band on the right hand. Jewish couples wear the wedding ring on the left hand, even though it is placed on the right hand during the marriage ceremony. In The Netherlands, Catholics wear it on the left, all others on the right; in Austria, Catholics wear it on the right. In Belgium, the choice of hand depends on the region of the country. Greek people, many being Orthodox Christians, also wear the wedding rings on the right hand in keeping with Greek tradition. A traditional reason to wear the wedding ring on the right hand stems from Roman custom. The Latin word for left is "sinister", which in addition to this sense also has the same senses as the English word. The Latin word for right is "dexter", a word that evolved into "dexterity". Hence, the left hand had a negative connotation and the right a good one.

Traditionally, in India and those practicing Hinduism, a toe ring or bichiya is worn instead of a ring on a finger, although this is only for women, and increasingly worn along with a finger ring. (from Wikipedia)

(Picture borrowed from DownTheRoad.org)

On that note about the toe ring, I remember what a college mate said, which still tickles me till today. She said that she would be sure to enlarge the picture of her husband placing the ring on her toe and then hang it in the living room. She was convinced that that would be the only picture to indicate her man humbling himself before her. I have always wondered what happened to her. After studies, we went our separate ways. I would love to know if she ever fulfilled that intention. :)

I also learned that "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe." is a well known superstition which originated from Victorian times. It appears that we have lost the last sentence at some stage.

'Something old' - an old garter, or a piece of family jewellery or accessory is often used, linking the Bride back to her single life.
'Something new' represents future health, happiness and success, this is usually the wedding dress.
'Something borrowed' could be a small trinket borrowed from family or a friend. It is thought to bring greater luck if it comes from another happily married woman. It must be returned to ensure good luck.
'Something blue' - it was in ancient Israel, where the bride wore a blue ribbon as a symbol of her fidelity, that the custom of wearing 'something blue' originated.
Good wealth was wished for by placing 'a silver sixpence in your shoe.

Wedding cake baked and decorated by Dulcie Danker

Anyway, I have been watching quite a bit of wedding shows on TV - Bridezillas, Platinum Weddings, Wedding Planner, just to name a few. June seems to be a favourite month in the west. If you are married, how did you determine your wedding date and month?

Arriving at the church. Since my dad was not alive to give me away, I gave the honour to my uncle, who was also my godfather.

Most people choose it because it is available (as in my case and also on mum's advice that June is a good month) and/or it is convenient for family and friends. Some are guided by superstitions and traditional beliefs. Now, I wonder if my late mum was influenced by them. This is what I found:

January - Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving kind and true.
February - When February birds do mate you may wed, or dread your fate.
March - If you wed when March winds blow Joy and sorrow both you'll know.
April - Marry in April when you can Joy for maiden and the man.
May - Marry in the month of May and you'll surely rue the day.
June - Marry when the June roses grow over land and sea you'll go.
July - Those who in July do wed will labour for their daily bread.
August - Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see.
September - Marry in September's shine, your living will be rich and fine.
October - If in October you do marry love will come, but riches tarry.
November - If you wed in bleak November only joys will come, remember.
December - When December's snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.

... and over the seas I went.