Meaning of "something old, something new..."?

Ask Carley

Meaning of "something old, something new..."?

Updated: May 22, 2012 01:52 PM EDT

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Q. What is the meaning of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"?

A. This tradition comes from an Old English rhyme ("Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe"), and the four objects that the bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries with her on the big day are just good luck charms.

Don't stress too much about them -- they are the little tokens of love your mother, sister, other relatives, and attendants will give you at the eleventh hour (although you can give them to yourself, too).

Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity, although this remains largely a British custom.

Looking for more wedding traditions and customs? Get ideas here!

-- By Carley Roney of TheKnot.com

Carley Roney is co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot (www.theknot.com), the nation's leading online wedding resource.

© 2012 The Knot. All rights reserved.

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