History of Wedding Rhyme

Something Old, Something New

Something Borrowed, Something Blue 

And a Sixpence in your Shoe

Everyone has heard the Old English rhyme, but where did it come from?

According to Readers Digest, the rhyme came about in the Victorian Era from Lancashire, a county in England. Each phrase in the rhyme is meant to ward off the “Evil Eye”.  The Evil Eye is "a curse passed through a malicious glare that could make a bride infertile." Talk about haters. 

Something Old 

In the Victorian era, wearing “something old” would protect couples from the Evil Eye casting infertility on the bride. (I can’t make this stuff up). Today, it represents continuity and stability. Carrying on the tradition of bringing a heirloom into your wedding day is like bringing wisdom into your marriage. 

Something New

Incorporating “something new” represents optimism for the future. This one is easy as your wedding dress, exchanging wedding rings, new shoes, etc. could be “something new” to use. 

Something Borrowed 

“Something borrowed” ensures good luck to the couple. It is encouraged to borrow from a happily married friend or family member. In the old days, it was encouraged to borrow undergarments from a girlfriend who has healthy kids. (I think it was all about making babies back then.) Of course, today is a little different and borrowing something sentimental will make your day even more special. 

Something Blue

This one is my favorite. Wearing “something blue” was meant to deflect the Evil Eye. Blue is the worldwide color of purity, loyalty, and reliability. For example, being baptized in water. Brides would wear a blue garter under their white dress to keep that Evil Eye away. Today you can wear the blue garter or incorporate the color blue with flowers, ribbon, or even a pair of pretty Tiffany blue shoes. 

The front door of Gracyn’s Chapel will have deep blue stained glass across the top arch to incorporate the color blue and to help you keep the Evil Eye away. 

And a sixpence for your shoe

It was custom in the 1600s for the groom to give his bride a piece of silver and a silver sixpence was symbolically used. Walking down the aisle with a sixpence in your left shoe continues the tradition of bringing good fortune, wealth, and a lifelong happiness to the marriage. 

You can find these on Amazon, Etsy, or at Gracyn Elizabeth Bride! 

Whatever traditions you incorporate into your wedding, have fun with it! This is such an exciting time in both of your lives and the beginning of a new chapter. So be creative, make it your own, and ward off that Evil Eye with...

Something Old,

Something New,

Something Borrowed,

Something Blue,

And a sixpence in your shoe.