Eleven etiquette legends about the bride

Why does the groom-to-be express his undying love to his sweetheart with a diamond engagement ring?

——This tradition began in the fifteenth century, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria pledged each other to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring. His cronies made a huge report: "Your Highness, when you get engaged, you must give a ring set with diamonds." Maximilian said. This ritual has been passed down to this day for centuries.

Why do brides wear gloves?

——In the Middle Ages, the groom-to-be proposed a token of love to stabilize his sweetheart's heart. At that time, many gentlemen gave gloves to their loved ones as a sign of marriage. If the other person wears that pair of gloves when going to church on Sunday, it means that she has agreed to his proposal.

Why should a diamond engagement ring be worn on the ring finger of the left hand?

——The ancients believed that the blood vessel in the ring finger of the left hand leads directly to the heart. In the Middle Ages, the groom took turns placing the wedding ring on the bride's three fingers to symbolize the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and finally put the ring on the ring finger. Therefore, the ring finger of the left hand is the traditional finger for wearing wedding rings in all English-speaking countries.

Why are diamonds regarded as the highest symbol of love?

——Heat and pressure create crystallized diamonds. Diamond is the hardest substance known to mankind. In ancient times, people did not have the tools and technology to cut diamonds. Diamonds therefore naturally become a symbol of everlasting love. The heat energy that gives birth to diamonds represents fiery love.

Why does the bride wear a veil?

——Originally, the bride’s veil symbolized youth and purity. In the early years, Christian brides either wore white veils to express purity and celebration; or wore blue veils to express purity like the Virgin Mary. It is said that Nellie Wallace, the granddaughter of Martha Washington, uniquely wore a white scarf when she got married, setting off a trend. This is the origin of today’s custom of brides wearing a white veil. When Martha's fiancé saw her standing behind the silk curtains, he was astonished and admired her endlessly. This gave her the inspiration to wear a white veil at her wedding.

Why does the bride wear a white dress?

——Since Roman times, white has symbolized celebration. From 1850 to 1900, white was also a symbol of wealth. By the beginning of this century, white represented purity more than anything else.

Why does the bride wear a white handkerchief?

——The white handkerchief symbolizes good luck. According to folklore, farmers believe that on the wedding day, the bride's tears will bring good luck, causing rain to fall from the sky and nourishing the crops. Later, when the bride sheds tears on her wedding day, it indicates that she will have a happy marriage, which means that she will not have to shed tears over her marriage in the future.

Why does the bride always stand to the left of the groom during the wedding ceremony?

——In ancient times, the Anglo-Saxon groom often had to stand up to protect his bride from being snatched away by others. During the wedding ceremony, the groom asks the bride to stand on his left side. Once a love rival appears, he can immediately draw his sword and repel the enemy.

Why do you need to customize a wedding cake?

——Since Roman times, cakes have been an integral part of festive ceremonies. In those days, at the end of a wedding, a loaf of bread would be broken over the bride's head. Wheat, the material used to make bread, symbolizes fertility. Breadcrumbs represent luck, and guests all rush to pick them up. According to traditional customs in medieval times, the bride and groom kiss across the cake. Later, imaginative bakers decorated the cake with frosting, and it became the beautiful and delicious wedding cake we have today.

Why honeymoon trip?

——The origin of the word "honeymoom" comes from the custom of ancient Europe. Newlyweds should drink a drink made from fermented honey every day within thirty days after marriage, or until the moon eclipses, to enhance the harmony of their sexual life. In ancient times, honey was a symbol of life, health, and fertility. The "honeymoon" is the sweet time the newlyweds spend alone together before resuming their daily lives.

Why does the groom carry the bride across the threshold?

——The bride in ancient Rome had to be dragged across the threshold of her new home to express her reluctance to leave her natal home. In addition, folklore also says that there are evil spirits surrounding the threshold, so in order to protect the bride, the bride must be picked up and stepped over.