Wedding Symbols and Their Meanings - Rockridge Institute - The Spirit Magazine (2024)

Weddings are a significant milestone for couples around the world. They mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and are celebrated with gusto. One unique aspect of weddings is the use of symbols that have different meanings across different cultures. These symbols range from simple gestures to elaborate rituals and often have culturally specific interpretations. In this article, we will explore some of the most common wedding symbols and their meanings.

The Wedding Ring

The wedding ring is perhaps the most well-known and universal wedding symbol. Couples exchange rings to signify their love and commitment to one another. The circular shape of the ring represents eternity, as there is no beginning or end. The exchange of rings is a way of showing that the couple’s love is unending and will last forever.

The Wedding Veil

The wedding veil is another popular wedding symbol. This centuries-old tradition comes from the idea that the bride’s face must be covered to protect her from evil spirits who might be jealous of her happiness. Nowadays, the veil is seen as a way of enhancing the bride’s beauty and adding to the dramatic effect of the wedding ceremony.

The Wedding Dress

The wedding dress is another important symbol in many cultures. It often signifies the bride’s purity, modesty, and elegance. In some cultures, the wedding dress symbolizes the bride’s social status, wealth, and family identity. While white is the traditional color for a wedding dress in many Western cultures, other cultures choose different colors such as red, gold, or blue.

The Unity Candle

The unity candle is a popular addition to modern wedding ceremonies. It symbolizes the couple’s union as they become one and light the candle together. The lighting of the candle is often used to represent the joining of two families or the beginning of a new life together.

The Bouquet

The bride’s bouquet is a tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. It was believed that carrying a bouquet of flowers would ward off evil spirits and ensure fertility. Nowadays, it’s seen as a beautiful accessory that complements the bride’s dress. The choice of flowers often reflects the couple’s personalities or cultural traditions.

The Wedding Cake

The wedding cake is a popular wedding symbol in many cultures. It symbolizes the sweetness of the couple’s love and their unity. The cake is often cut and shared by the couple during the wedding reception, and the tradition of saving the top tier for the first anniversary is still followed in many places.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of exchanging wedding rings?

Exchanging wedding rings during the ceremony symbolizes the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The circular shape of the ring represents eternity, meaning that their love is endless and boundless.

2. What is the origin of the wedding veil?

The wedding veil has been used for centuries to protect the bride from evil spirits. It was believed that the veil would keep the bride hidden from the spirits who might be jealous of her happiness.

3. What does the white wedding dress symbolize?

The white wedding dress has been traditionally associated with purity and innocence. It symbolizes the bride’s virginity and her commitment to her husband. However, today, white is just a popular choice for brides in many cultures and no longer represents virginity.

4. What is the significance of the unity candle?

The unity candle is used to symbolize the couple’s union and to represent the joining of two families. When the couple lights the candle together, it represents the start of their new life together.

5. Why do brides carry a bouquet?

The tradition of carrying a bouquet dates back to ancient Greece, where it was believed that flowers could ward off evil spirits and ensure fertility. Today, carrying a bouquet is seen as a beautiful accessory that complements the bride’s dress.

6. What is the tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake for the first anniversary?

The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake for the first anniversary dates back to the 19th century. It was believed that eating a piece of the cake on the first anniversary would bring good luck and prosperity to the couple.

7. What is the significance of the wedding kiss?

The wedding kiss symbolizes the couple’s love and affection for each other. In many cultures, it is believed that the kiss seals the marriage and ensures the couple’s happiness.

8. What is the meaning behind the wedding dance?

The wedding dance is often seen as a way for the couple to showcase their love and commitment to each other. It also symbolizes the start of their new life together and is a way of celebrating with family and friends.

9. What is the significance of the wedding garter?

The wedding garter is often seen as a symbol of the bride’s sensuality and sexuality. It is believed that wearing the garter can bring good luck to the couple and ensure their happiness.

10. What is the meaning behind the cultural wedding traditions?

Cultural wedding traditions often have deep-rooted significance. They can symbolize different values, such as love, commitment, family, and community. They can also represent different beliefs and traditions, such as religious or spiritual practices.

11. What does the breaking of the glass in Jewish weddings represent?

In Jewish weddings, the breaking of the glass is often seen as a symbol of the fragility of life. It reminds the couple to cherish each other and to be mindful of the fleeting nature of time.

12. What is the significance of the Hindu wedding ceremony?

The Hindu wedding ceremony is steeped in tradition and symbolism. It often represents the joining of two families and is seen as a spiritual union between the couple and the divine.

13. What is the tradition of the wedding toast?

The wedding toast is often given by the best man or father of the bride. It is a way of celebrating the couple’s love and wishing them happiness for the future.

14. What is the origin of the tradition of throwing the bride’s bouquet?

The tradition of throwing the bride’s bouquet dates back centuries and is believed to have originated in England. It was believed that catching the bouquet would bring good luck and possibly lead to marriage.

15. What is the significance of the wedding favors?

Wedding favors are often given to guests as a way of thanking them for their support and sharing in the couple’s special day. They can also symbolize different aspects of the wedding, such as the couple’s culture or interests.

16. What does the tying of the knot represent?

The tying of the knot is often used as a symbol of the couple’s unity and commitment. In some cultures, it is also believed to symbolize the couple’s binding together in matrimony.

17. What is the tradition of the wedding procession?

The wedding procession is a tradition in which the wedding party, including the couple and their families, walk down the aisle to the wedding ceremony. It is often seen as a way of showcasing the couple’s love and celebrated unity.

18. What is the significance of the wedding gifts?

Wedding gifts often represent the love and support that friends and family members have for the couple. They can also symbolize different aspects of the wedding, such as the couple’s culture or interests. In many cultures, it is believed that the gifts can bring good luck and prosperity to the couple.

Wedding symbols and their meanings are what make weddings unique and special. From the wedding rings to the unity candle and the bouquet, each symbol has its own significance, rooted in tradition and culture. As couples continue to celebrate this special day worldwide, these symbols will continue to serve as a reminder of the love and commitment they share. We hope this article has given you some insights into the wedding symbols and their meanings.