A Take on Tradition
Though there’s definitely something charming about an all-American tradition or three, other countries and cultures have their own endearing sets of traditions. Check them out . . .
The Dutch
After a Dutch wedding, the couple’s friends and family plant lily-of-the-valley around their home and in their garden to symbolize love’s renewing powers. Each year when the lilies of the valley bloom again, the couple are reminded of their vows.
Interesting note: the bridal shower actually originated in Holland, where if a Dutch bride’s father disapproves of her choice in a husband, he may not offer her a dowry. In lieu, the bride’s friends “shower” her with gifts of household items and sundry needs. If the family approves, the bride receives a trousseau from her parents (yay for those!) Her future father-in-law gives her a “chatelaine,” which consists of a chain or rope made of silver or leather and contains sundries such as a pair of scissors, a pincushion, a needle case, a small knife, and a mirror. I want.
A lovely little Dutch custom that can be substituted for the guest book is to create a wedding “wish tree.” At the reception, a selection of branches (try blooming cherry/quince/pear) are grounded and filled with paper leaves, ribbon, etc. on which each guest has written a special note to the new pair. Ours was found on Wedding Bee:
The French
“Chiverie” is a wedding night prank wherein the couple are sent off on their honeymoon, only to be interrupted by their wedding guests banging pots and pans, ringing bells, and tooting horns. The bride and groom are expected to appear in their wedding clothes and provide treats for their tormentors. Check out the low-brow pic we found:
The Spaniards
One Spanish tradition that survives still today is the presentation of thirteen coins from the groom to the bride. The coins, usually presented in a special bag, box or tray, symbolize the groom’s commitment to his new bride and his vow to support her. The bride carries the coins during her processional, and they are then blessed by the minister during the ceremony. Afterwards, the coins are kept as part of the family’s heritage. Pretty. Maybe she could sew a few into the lining of her gown?
The Brits
Proper English brides often carry a horseshoe with their bouquet for good luck in marriage. Since that could be a wee bit cumbersome, we suggest the more modern take of including the horseshoe in tiny little motif throughout the stationery suite.
Fun fact: Rain is also considered an omen of good luck on the morning of the wedding ceremony. Our dear friends at Dulles Designs like to remind our clients: “Mariage pleureux, mariage heureux!” (Rainy marriage, happy marriage!)
Locals
In addition to the requisite rocking chairs dotting our piazzas, it is quite common to see the joggling board gracing the lengths and depths of Charleston’s gracious verandas and lawns.
“They” say that a boy and a girl can sit on the board and joggle, or bounce their way toward each other, smooch, and be betrothed. Sweet!
