Something Blue

 

“Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

We all know this little rhyme, listing what a bride’s to have with her on her wedding day to insure a long and prosperous marriage, but where did it come from?  And why something blue?

The rhyme dates back to 19th century England, when each of these tokens symbolized something the bride’s friends and family wished upon her partnership.  “Something old” insured the bride would never forget where she came from, “something new” for the times ahead, and “something borrowed” from a happily married friend or family member, in hopes her happiness would be passed over.

 

As for “something blue,” blue has a long history of appearing at weddings. In Ancient Rome, brides wore blue as a symbol of loyalty and tranquility, of the rise and fall of the sea and sky.  Blue was a popular color for wedding gowns for centuries after, hence the proverb, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”

 

Today, brides are finding more and more creative ways of incorporating a touch of blue into their bridal ensemble.  From anklets, shoelaces, bouquet ribbons, monogrammed gowns, garters, bridesmaids dresses, and simply blue blooms, women today are taking this centuries-old tradition to the next level.

Be sure to visit us this week on INSTAGRAM, for all things #somethingblue.