Something old, something new…But where did the tradition come from?
If you’re planning a wedding, chances are you’ve already heard the age-old rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” But have you ever stopped to wonder where it actually came from?
The beloved tradition dates back to Victorian England, with the earliest known version appearing in Lancashire during the late 1800s. The full rhyme is actually: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.” Each item was believed to bring luck, love and prosperity to the bride on her wedding day.
An interesting fact: Queen Victoria started the white wedding dress trend, prior to that brides traditionally wore blue because the colour represented faithfulness for centuries.
Something old symbolises the bride’s past, family ties and continuity. Something new represents optimism and the exciting future ahead. Something borrowed should traditionally come from a happily married woman, passing on her good fortune and lasting love. Something blue has long been associated with purity, fidelity and loyalty, while the often-forgotten silver sixpence tucked into the bride’s shoe was said to bring wealth and financial security throughout married life. While many modern brides still honour the tradition with treasured family heirlooms, blue ribbons sewn into dresses or borrowed jewellery, others have decided to have a little more fun with it.
Wedding forums and social media are full of brides putting a humorous spin on the famous rhyme. Some of our favourite tongue-in-cheek versions include:
Something old: My back. Something new: My husband. Something borrowed: The money to pay for the wedding. Something blue: My dad’s language when he saw the final invoice.
Something old: Your knees. Something new: Your surname. Something borrowed: My mother’s nerves. Something blue: Your bank balance after the honeymoon.
Whether you’re embracing tradition or putting your own spin on it, the centuries-old rhyme remains one of the sweetest wedding customs. And if it also gives your guests a laugh along the way? Even better.
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