Wedding Traditions: Special Bridal Shoes
We know there are many traditions, superstitions, and rituals associated with weddings. Borrowing, old, new, and blue are just a small part of the range of customs found around the world. Among them all, we've compiled a few that have to do with bridal shoes. Shall we do a quick review?
Bridal shoes are considered good luck objects in some cultures because of their moon shape, a symbol of fertility.
In Portugal, bridesmaids pass around their shoes as "brushes" so guests can put money inside them, thus helping the newlyweds financially.
It is said that in Tudor times ( 15th century ), when the bride and groom left in a carriage for their honeymoon, the guests threw shoes at them; if one of them hit the car it was considered a good omen, a sign of good luck.
Continuing with this theme, in the past, the bride would throw her shoe at the wedding to pass on the happiness of marriage to a single woman. Nowadays, this would be dangerous, especially because of the heels, so the bouquet or garter is used for the same purpose.
In Sweden, it is traditional to place coins in the bride's shoes to, according to the ritual, guarantee that the marriage will be free from financial hardship. The father places a silver coin on the left foot and the mother a gold coin on the right, wishing their daughter happiness in marriage. However, according to Hindu beliefs, a place in hell is reserved for anyone who insults Lakshmi , the goddess of fortune (represented by the coins), in this way.
The practice originated in Turkey , and it seems to be a custom that's becoming fashionable and gaining followers in the rest of Europe. The bride writes the names of her single friends on the sole of her shoe. After the newlyweds' dance, the bride picks up her wedding shoe and looks at the sole. The name that has faded the most due to wear will be the next to get married. (Photo: Andrew Morrell Photography)
Similar to this tradition is writing the names of the matchmaking friends on a piece of paper inside the right shoe and burning it at the end of the ceremony. This way, the friends walk down the aisle with the bride (on paper), and it's said that there's a chance of marriage within a year.
In Hungary, the most important toast at a wedding is when the groom takes the bride's shoe and uses it to drink from it as if it were a cup. It's also said that in Russia the groom drinks vodka from her shoe, but I don't think this practice is practiced with bridal sandals.
What other customs do you know? Which tradition do you like the most? Which tradition do you like best for your wedding shoes ? We look forward to hearing from you.