The History Behind Wedding Superstitions

Everything we do when we say "I do" is significant. From the kiss to the tossing of the bridal bouquet everyone has their favorite part of the wedding. Despite the romantic undertones of today's weddings, few traditions began with love in mind. Ancient wedding were actually for property or land. If two families were married it meant they became more powerful, and usually had more land.

The walk down the aisle is one of the most frightening and favorite experiences for the new bride. The walk down the aisle used to symbolize what little freedom the bride had. The father would walk his daughter down the aisle transferring ownership of not only his daughter but usually goods, animals, and land. Both families were made richer by weddings in these days.

Everyone dreams of having all their family and close friends at their wedding these days. Witnesses used to attend weddings in order to make it officially binding by law. In the days before everything was documented for the government people attended weddings specifically to be a witness. The families usually sat on opposite sides because it kept them from arguing and fighting which has not been rare throughout history, since many families often did not like each other.

Traditionally the bride stands on the left of the groom during the ceremony. This tradition developed during medieval times when men carried swords. If the bride stood on the right side she would have blocked his sword making it impossible for him to protect her, so the bride stands to the left and has ever since. During this time the term best man was also created. Typically the best man at the wedding was the best swordsman also.