April showers bring... good luck? Where the heck did that saying come from anyway?
At Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash Diamond Jewelers in Lancaster, PA, we love everything about weddings—especially the part where we get to help you find the perfect diamond engagement ring and wedding bands. But did you know that many of the traditions we follow today have some downright bizarre origins? Buckle up, lovebirds, because we’re diving into the myths, magic, and mysteries behind weddings!
Why Do We Wear Wedding Rings on the Fourth Finger?
Ever wonder why your diamond engagement ring and wedding band go on your left hand’s fourth finger? It’s all thanks to the ancient Romans, who believed in the vena amoris, or “vein of love,” which supposedly ran straight from this finger to the heart. Science later said, “Eh, not exactly,” but hey—who are we to argue with romance? The tradition stuck, and now, rings on this finger symbolize eternal love.
The Proposal: Why Get Down on One Knee?
There’s something undeniably romantic about a grand proposal, but why do people traditionally get down on one knee? Turns out, this gesture comes from medieval times, when knights would kneel before their lords to show respect and loyalty. Today, it’s a symbol of devotion (and, let’s be honest, a great way to make sure the ring stays secure in that moment of excitement).
Speaking of proposals—when you get engaged with Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash Diamond Jewelers, you’ll receive a complimentary engagement photo shoot with our in-house photographer, Jenna! Because a moment that special deserves to be captured forever.
Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue: What’s the Deal?
This rhyme has been around forever, but do you know why? Each item is meant to bring good luck:
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Something old represents continuity with the past.
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Something new symbolizes a bright future.
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Something borrowed (preferably from a happily married couple) brings good vibes.
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Something blue stands for love and fidelity.
Bonus tradition: In some cultures, brides put a sixpence in their shoe for extra financial luck. So if you find a random coin in your wedding heels, roll with it.
Rain on Your Wedding Day: A Blessing or a Bummer?
Alanis Morissette may have called it ironic, but in many cultures, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck! Why? Because a wet knot is harder to untie, meaning a rainy wedding equals a strong, lasting marriage. That said, we totally get why you might prefer sunny skies—so maybe check the forecast before booking that outdoor ceremony.
The First Look: To See or Not to See?
Tradition says it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony, but do you know why? Back in the day (when arranged marriages were common), this superstition was actually a clever way to prevent cold feet—literally. If the groom saw the bride before the vows and didn’t find her attractive, he might bolt. Yikes.
These days, couples are rewriting the rules with first-look photos, creating a private, emotional moment before the ceremony. So whether you stick to tradition or break it, do what feels right for you!
Throwing the Bouquet & Garter: Who Started This Madness?
Picture this: Medieval wedding guests, believing that touching the bride’s dress would bring them good fortune, literally ripping her gown apart for a lucky scrap of fabric. Yeah. That’s how we got the more civilized bouquet toss—so single guests could get their own shot at love without tackling the bride.
The garter toss? Same deal. The groom used to throw a piece of the bride’s dress to ward off rowdy guests. Now, it’s a fun (sometimes slightly awkward) tradition that adds a little spice to the reception.
Breaking a Glass: Cheers or Tears?
At Jewish weddings, breaking a glass is a deeply meaningful tradition symbolizing the fragility of love and the commitment to stand together through life's ups and downs. Guests then shout “Mazel Tov!”—which is the best excuse to get the party started.
Tying Cans to the Getaway Car: What’s the Point?
That clatter of tin cans trailing behind a honeymoon-bound couple? It’s actually an ancient tradition meant to ward off evil spirits. Apparently, ghosts hate loud noises—so honking, clanging, and cheering are all meant to keep bad luck at bay while the happy couple rides off into the sunset.
Your Love, Your Traditions
Whether you’re a fan of these old-school superstitions or prefer to make your own traditions, the most important thing is celebrating your love, your way. And of course, no matter how you say “I do,” we’ll be here at Vanscoy, Maurer & Bash Diamond Jewelers in Lancaster, PA to make sure you have the perfect diamond engagement ring and wedding bands to match.
So, what traditions are you keeping (or ditching) for your big day? Let us know—we love a good wedding story! And when you're ready to make it official, come see us for the ring that starts it all. 💍✨
