You might be surprised about these 5 wedding traditions of pagan origin
There are a lot of wedding traditions and rituals that just seems like they have always existed. And we never think about why we do them. Some of these are wedding traditions of pagan origin.
There are some who you’ll find have pretty much always existed, namely long before the church came to our shores. So here are my top five wedding traditions you never knew were pagan or of pagan origin, and the reasons why we have them.
1. Tying the knot
We are all familiar with this expression and we use it a lot. Even though nobody is tying anything during a wedding ceremony. So where does the expression tying the knot come from?
Tying the knot is a very obvious reference to a handfasting ceremony.
During a handfasting ceremony the couples hands are tied together with ribbon or cord to symbolise the union they are entering into. The celebrant is tying a knot of their hands.
So this was an obvious one, let’s go for a something a bit more … veiled.
2. Matching bridesmaids dresses
These days bridesmaids wearing matching dresses is the norm, but the bride wears something else.
In days gone by, the bridesmaids dresses would match the brides gown.
This was a safety measure meant to protect the bride from evil spirits, who might want to kidnap her on her wedding day. The matching dresses would apparently confuse the evil spirits and they didn’t know who was the bride and who was a bridesmaid.
There are plenty more wedding traditions of pagan origin designed to protect the bride…
3. The bridal veil
The veil, rather than hiding the bride from the groom until he was “tied into the deal” as some terrible old movies might suggest, was also a piece of armour for the bride.
Just as the matching dresses, the veil was there to shield the bride from the evil spirits who wish to harm her, and stop them from recognising her.
While we are on the topic of protecting the bride from evil entities… yep, there is more!
4. The bridal bouquet and wedding flowers
The bridal bouquet was there so its blossoms would mask the human scent of the bride and (have a guess! ) hide her from evil spirits.
Flowers and fragrant petals were also strewn in front of the bride walking down the aisle to mask her human sent from evil presences who would wish her harm.
Does anyone else wonder why the groom doesn’t get any protection?! Before I start speculating, let’s move on to something else…more wedding traditions of pagan origin that also concerns the groom.
5. The wedding rings
I could probably write an entire blog about it, so let’s condense this.
A ring forms a never ending cycle, representing the hope that this marriage is going to last forever.
The tradition to place the wedding rings on the ring finger of the left hand goes back to the belief that there is a vein running directly from the heart to this finger, hence connecting the symbol of eternity with the heart. And hopefully this will mean the marriage was going to be everlasting.
Are there other wedding traditions of pagan origin?
Want to learn more about wedding traditions of pagan origin or handfastings in general? I go some helpful blog posts for you:
If you never heard of a handfasting, then my blog What is a handfasting? is a perfect starting point for you.
If you are already planning your own handfasting, my blog Is a handfasting legally binding in these 8 countries? (Be prepared to be very surprised! ) will be helpful.
Don’t worry that your wedding photographer might miss key photos or commit a spiritual faux-pas mid ceremony, just get in touch via my contact form to find out how I can help you.
As the Specialist Handfasting Photographer UK and EU, I understand the importance of your rituals and know the highlights of a handfasting.
I can cover your handfasting ceremony throughout the UK and most of the rest of Europe.
You can also find and follow me o social media (link in the footer) to find out about handfasting traditions and tips for planning your own handfasting.
Bright blessings,
Specialist Pagan Wedding & Handfasting Photographer UK & EU
