The meaning behind the 'something old' wedding rhyme

One of the many (sometimes seemingly endless) tasks a bride has to do is make sure she has her something old, something borrowed and something blue on her wedding day.

It may be the last thing you want to think about when you're frantically getting everything sorted, but each part symbolises luck for your future together (and your Nan will be horrified if you don't).

The full rhyme is…

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

It is believed to have originated in the Victorian era – due to the sixpence reference. Each part of the poem is intended to bring the happy couple good luck in their married life together.

Something old
Symbolises something from the bride's family she is leaving behind and her past.

Something new
This bit is all about looking forward to the new life the couple will share together.

Something borrowed
The bride is supposed to borrow something from a family member or friend who is in a happy marriage. The token is a way of passing on their good fortune. It also means that whoever the bride borrowed the item from, she knows she can lean on in the future.

Something blue
The colour blue has been associated with weddings back to Roman times, where brides wore blue to symbolise purity and fidelity. It is also linked to the Virgin Mary who is often depicted in a blue.

Sixpence in her shoe
Usually the part everyone forgets! This bit is obviously about money. The sixpence represents financial security and prosperity for the couple.

To maximise your good luck, make sure you wear it in the left shoe (or glue gun it to the bottom of your Stella McCartney heels as I did. See photo evidence above. Either way, gets the job done!)

What are you using at your wedding? Leave a comment below to be in with a chance of winning a £100 goodie bag

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