From warding off evil spirits to stuffing coins in shoes, wedding superstitions offer a quirky—and often revealing—look at how we try to make love last.
Not all wedding traditions are based in logic. In fact, many are rooted in ancient beliefs, folklore, and cultural fears. Across centuries and continents, people have performed symbolic acts to ensure a successful marriage, protect the couple from bad luck, or curry favour with the gods.
While many of these superstitions may seem outdated (or just plain weird) to modern Canadian couples, they continue to show up—sometimes out of habit, sometimes for fun, and sometimes because… you just don’t want to jinx it.
"Something Old, Something New": A Victorian Invention
The famous rhyme—“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue (and a silver sixpence in her shoe)”—originated in Victorian England and gained popularity across the English-speaking world.
Each item symbolized a different wish:
- Old = continuity with the past
- New = optimism for the future
- Borrowed = happiness borrowed from another marriage
- Blue = fidelity and purity
- Sixpence = prosperity and financial luck
Though rarely followed to the letter today, this superstition still shows up in modern weddings—especially among nostalgic or tradition-loving couples.
Why You’re Not Supposed to See the Bride Before the Wedding
This superstition has dark roots: in arranged marriages, families didn’t want the groom to back out if he didn’t find the bride attractive. Keeping them apart preserved the deal.
Today, it’s reframed as a romantic tradition—waiting for the big reveal at the aisle. That said, first looks (where couples see each other before the ceremony) are now common and popular with photographers, offering privacy and emotion without pressure.
Rain on Your Wedding Day? Actually, Good Luck
In many cultures, rain symbolizes fertility, cleansing, and new beginnings.
- In Hindu weddings, rain is considered a blessing from the gods.
- In rural European traditions, it was believed to bring prosperity.
While few couples want rain on their wedding day, it’s often reframed as meaningful, symbolic, and photogenic (hello, umbrella shots and moody lighting).
Odd and Endearing Superstitions from Around the World
- Break something: In Jewish weddings, breaking a glass reminds us that joy is always tempered by loss—and that love takes work.
- Spit for luck: In Greek culture, fake spitting (“ftou ftou ftou”) wards off evil spirits.
- Hide a sugar cube: In Persian weddings, the bride may tuck sugar into her glove to sweeten the union.
- Stepping on toes: In the Philippines, the one who steps on the other’s foot during the ceremony is said to “hold power” in the marriage.
These superstitions reflect deeper truths—about power, prosperity, harmony, and shared fate.
Modern Twists on Ancient Superstitions
Today’s Canadian couples may reinterpret or reimagine these rituals:
- Swapping “borrowed” for something meaningful, like a locket from a grandparent
- Turning “blue” into a subtle detail—like a thread in the dress lining or a secret sock
- Reclaiming pre-wedding moments with intentional first looks and quiet time
- Celebrating multicultural superstitions as a nod to family heritage
These small acts keep cultural memory alive, even in modern weddings.
Photographers & Symbolic Storytelling
Many superstitions offer photographic moments with deeper layers:
- Capturing a bride fastening a borrowed necklace or blue garter
- Documenting the first look—whether traditional or planned
- Snapshots of shoes hiding coins or embroidered blessings
- Rituals like glass-breaking, tea ceremonies, or handfastings mid-vow
These aren’t just traditions—they’re symbols of hope, resilience, and belief.
Related Reading in the History of Weddings Series:
- The History of Wedding Vows
- The History of the Wedding Ring
- Wedding Traditions from Around the World
- The History of the Wedding Ceremony
Continue Planning Your Wedding
Ready to dive into the details? How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Right Choice