Southern Wedding Traditions, Superstitions & Folklore
Southern Wedding Traditions, Superstitions and Folklore
A Guide to Traditional Southern Wedding Customs in the Superstitious South: A Brief Introduction
In the South, weddings are steeped in superstition, with couples and guests alike embracing age-old beliefs to ensure a lifetime of happiness and prosperity. The origins of these traditions can be traced back to a blend of African, European, and Native American cultures, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Southern wedding folklore.
Something Old, Something New: Southern Bridal Accessories
The age-old adage “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” finds its roots in English folklore, dating back to the Victorian era. However, it gained popularity in the South during the 19th century, symbolizing continuity, optimism, borrowed happiness, and fidelity, respectively, as brides embarked on new chapters of their lives.
Another charming Southern wedding superstition involves placing a sixpence in the bride’s shoe for good luck. This tradition symbolizes prosperity and financial stability for the newlyweds as they embark on their journey together. The sixpence serves as a small token of abundance, ensuring a lifetime of wealth and fortune.
A Blessed Union: Rain or Shine
The Southern Significance of Rain on Your Wedding Day: In the agricultural South, rain on your wedding was often seen as a symbol of good fortune, blessing the union with fertility, cleansing, and renewal. This belief harkens back to agricultural traditions, where rain was essential for bountiful harvests, and thus, viewed as a harbinger of prosperity and abundance.
Burying the Bourbon: A Southern Charm Against Rain: To ward off rainy weather on their wedding day, Southern couples often engage in the whimsical tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon at the ceremony site. This charming ritual has its roots in Scottish folklore, where burying a bottle of whisky was believed to appease the weather gods. The practice migrated to the American South, where bourbon became the libation of choice, ensuring clear skies and sunshine for the festivities.
Symbols and Traditions in Southern Wedding Ceremonies
Not Seeing the Bride or Groom Prior to the Ceremony: A Superstition of Separation: In Southern tradition, it’s considered bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. This superstition dates back to the time when arranged marriages were common, and the couple’s first look was reserved for the moment they stood at the altar. By adhering to this custom, couples honor the anticipation and excitement of the wedding day.
The Lure of Love in a Southern Magnolia: In the South, the magnolia tree holds a special place in wedding folklore, symbolizing love, beauty, and endurance. Revered for its lush foliage and fragrant blooms, the magnolia has been celebrated in Southern literature and art for centuries, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance. Incorporating magnolia blooms into wedding décor or bridal bouquets is thought to bring blessings of purity and eternal love to the newlyweds.
The Magic of Jumping the Broom - A Heritage of Unity: Originating from African American tradition, jumping the broom symbolizes the crossing into a new life together. This centuries-old ritual dates back to the era of slavery when enslaved couples, denied legal marriage, created their own ceremonies to honor their commitment to one another. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of love, resilience, and unity.
Embracing Tradition in Southern Weddings
The cherished wedding traditions, superstitions, and folklore in the South are not just quaint customs but powerful symbols of love, unity, and hope for the future. Whether you’re tying the knot under the sprawling branches of a magnolia tree, exchanging vows beneath a canopy of raindrops, or slipping a nickel into your shoe, may the magic of Southern wedding traditions illuminate your path to happily ever after.
