"And A Sixpence In Her Shoe"

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe."
We often hear the first part of the saying and many brides like to follow the tradition with a few tokens, even if they don't take it too seriously. Here is our own take on the rhyme...

Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue....Wedding Pin

But where does this saying come from? The rhyme is thought to date from at least as far back as Victorian times, though the traditions it refers to are somewhat older. The custom demands that the bride should collect five tokens of good fortune from amongst friends and family.

"Something old" refers to the need for the bride to take something from her past to the marriage and that she will remain close to old friends. Typical gifts here are family heirlooms such as a piece of jewellery or a veil worn by a mother or grandmother.

CC image by chicagogeek

"Something new" represents the couple's future happiness and prosperity as they set out on their new lives together and usually the bride's new dress and accessories provide the good luck tokens needed here.

"Something borrowed" should be an item much treasured by the bride's family and strictly speaking, she should give it back to ensure the good luck. Carrying something borrowed also represents the idea that friends and family will be around to help in times of need. The customary gift for this line was a garter given to the bride by a happily married friend to pass on her own happiness.

White Lace Garter

Vintage Lace Garter

But "something blue" is not just an English tradition, as wearing blue at weddings is said to date back to ancient Israel and Rome and the colour represents purity and fidelity. Princess Diana of course famously chose a sapphire engagement ring, now passed on to Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge for her own engagement ring, preserving the tradition of the wearing of a family treasure.
 

Aqua Table Crystals

 

Personalised Duck Egg Blue Rose Ring Cushion

But what of the "silver sixpence in her shoe"?
This is thought to be an old European custom whereby the sixpence or penny is placed in the bride's left shoe to bring her prosperity and protection against ill-fortune. Some traditions have the bride's father donating the coin to send his best wishes for her wealth and happiness.

But who wants to stagger through their wedding day with a piece of metal rubbing against their Jimmy Choos? We have come up with two far more practical ways to complete the rhyme without the risk of bridal blisters! First up is this boxed silver sixpence in a little box bearing the wish 'Happy Ever After' as well as the 'Old, new, borrowed,blue' from the rhyme. It makes a sweet gift for the father of the bride to give to his daughter as they set out on their journey to the aisle.

Boxed Lucky Sixpence For Her Shoe

Or why not send a lucky greeting with a card that she can preserve in her keepsake box for future prosperity.

Lucky Sixpence For Her Shoe Card

Other bridal superstitions include avoiding the groom on the eve on the wedding and a last look in the mirror as she leaves for the wedding to bring good luck. If she is lucky enough to spot a chimney sweep, a rainbow or a black cat on the way to the wedding, this is a good omen too. However, it is best to steer clear of monks, nuns, pigs, lizards and cockerels crowing after dawn, as these are associated with bad luck! And of course the lucky lady who catches the bridal bouquet can look forward to a wedding of her own as will the man who catches the garter thrown by the groom.

Of course no-one takes any of these traditions and superstitions too seriously, but somehow a wedding is not quite the same without some of these old traditions, and let's face it, when it comes to achieving a long and happy marriage, it's one thing to find the perfect partner, but a little extra luck can never be a bad thing!