What is Something Blue, Something Borrowed, & Something New?
Nov 22nd 2024
Key Points:
- The phrase, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” wedding traditional rhyme is a beloved wedding tradition with roots in Victorian England and ancient Rome.
- Something new, something borrowed: New symbolized hope for the future. The meaning of something borrowed conveys shared happiness and blessings from another happily married couple.
- Something old represents continuity and family heritage.
- Something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity.
Whether it is your own wedding coming up or you’ve been invited to one, chances are you’ve heard this old rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”
This traditional wedding rhyme dates to Victorian England. It outlines a set of items that were believed to bring luck and prosperity to a bride’s special day. While it is steeped in history, today's tradition remains relevant to many brides-to-be and their families, offering a meaningful way to connect to your past while looking toward the future.
Are you curious about the meaning of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? We break down this fascinating tradition and show how you can still weave tradition into any modern wedding.
1. What is “Something Old?”
The meaning behind “something old " is the connection between family and continuity. These elements represent the bride’s past, an item that honors her roots, her family history, and the continuation of her family traditions.
Some examples and ideas that represent “Something Old:”
- A family heirloom, such as a necklace, ring, or broach.
- Many brides use vintage fabric from a relative’s wedding dress, sewn or incorporated into the bride’s gown.
- An old photo, perhaps of their parents or grandparents' wedding, tucked into the bouquet.
What matters if you seek to include something old in this tradition is an item or something that best creates a tangible link to your heritage. Something which grounds you in your new journey with the strength of your past behind you.
What is “Something New?”
Wearing or including “something new” signifies hope and optimism for the future together as a couple. A new addition highlights this fresh, exciting chapter that is now being written as two lives join in marriage.
A few ideas for “Something New:”
- A brand-new wedding dress, veil, or piece of jewelry.
- Custom-made shoes
- A brand-new handkerchief
The something new, whichever you may add, reflects that breathless excitement and promise of what’s to come—a perfect fit for any wedding celebration.
What is “Something Borrowed?”
The “something borrowed something blue” meaning is rooted in the idea of sharing both happiness and wisdom. Traditionally, the “something borrowed” came from someone close to the bride who is happily married, symbolizing the transfer of good luck and advice.
Some ideas for your “something borrowed”:
- A wedding cake topper
- A wedding veil or a hair accessory
- A ribbon for the bouquet
- A borrowed prayer book or charm
Adding something borrowed to your ensemble or wedding day plans is a heartfelt means to involve the important people in your life and your ceremony while drawing on positive experiences.
What is “Something Blue”?
In wedding tradition, “something blue” symbolizes love, purity, fidelity, and modesty. This tradition is accredited to many societies, where brides wore blue to represent their modesty and fidelity. For example, in Ireland, Vietnam, and Medieval Europe, many women wore blue wedding dresses instead of white.
Ideas for your “Something Blue”:
- Blue shoes or blue garters
- Sapphire Jewelry
- Embroidered initials inside the gown
- Blue nail polish
- Blue wedding decorations
As a bride, adding something blue is an opportunity to incorporate a pop of beautiful color for a hidden surprise that is extremely meaningful and stylish.
Interesting Fact: Originally, the meaning of something borrowed, something blue, also incorporated protection from the ‘evil eye.’
The Full Rhyme: Adding a Silver Sixpence
Did you know there’s a bit more to the original rhyme? The traditional rhyme ends with: “…and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”
The sixpence, a British coin, symbolized financial prosperity for the couple. While not as commonly known today, some brides can still honor this tradition by tucking a coin into a part of their shoe or within the bouquet itself.
How You Can Personalize the Tradition
If you are a modern bride or couple looking to put your unique spin on this time-honored custom, here are some creative ideas you may love:
- Combining all elements into one item. For example, an heirloom piece of jewelry with blue precious stones incorporates old, new, borrowed, and blue in one piece. If the heirloom has been repaired or added to before the wedding, you quickly capture something new, something blue, and something borrowed meaning, too!
- Something Borrowed materials aren’t just for the bride. Including a blue lining on the groom’s suit jacket is unexpected and a gorgeous means to add a little color.
- Invite your family and friends to help. Asking friends and family for ideas on each category might result in some truly one-of-a-kind traditions.
By making this tradition your own, you can create a wedding that is both personal to you and unforgettable.
Why Does This Tradition Still Matter?
The meaning of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” resonates with us still because it blends our history, symbolism, and creativity. This is a custom meant to connect generations while allowing couples to express their individuality. Plus? It’s still a great way to involve your friends and family members in this day of joy.
Honoring Tradition Your Own Way
Incorporating this tradition into your wedding is the perfect way to celebrate your love, family traditions, and the exciting road ahead. Whether you choose to go classic or get creative, this wedding tradition many feel brings good luck and heartfelt symbolism to an exceptional day.
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