Rice Throwing:
Rice is a symbol of fertility and long life.
Guests throw it at the Bride and Groom as a wish for children and a good life.
Other good luck charms are - confetti; orange blossoms; corn; barley; chick peas; and dates and figs to sweeten the marriage.
Weddings are filled with heart-warming traditions that are as infused with meaning for the couple as they are for their guests. One such tradition is the throwing of rice at the newly married couple, a long-held symbol of good luck, fertility and abundance. Although many countries differ in opinion on what is appropriate throwing material, this tradition spans the globe and is something many little girls dream of in anticipation of their wedding day. The reality is sometimes not quite so pretty. With stories of brides being pelted in the face with rice, falling on the slippery grains, or of guests being denied the opportunity to throw it at all due to venue regulations, this simple and beautiful tradition has taken on a life of its own. Fortunately, there are a variety of substitutions, some more fun than others, that the happy couple can enjoy! From bubbles to butterflies, sparklers to silly string, couples are constantly finding new and creative twists to this long-established tradition. Go to the Rituals page for more stories on other options.
Those who want to retain the traditional symbolism of throwing something over the couple as they leave the church, there are a variety of options. First, of course, is rice. Certainly one of the most inexpensive options, this tradition is truly exquisite and, contrary to the urban legend, it is not harmful to birds. Rice does create a slippery surface though, and can be a little hard on the face when a determined relative is a little too close! Due to the urban legend, many couples have chosen bird seed or sunflower seeds for their nuptials. This, too, is beautiful, but still a little hard and slippery
Since early Roman times some grain - usually wheat - has been associated with the wedding ceremony.
The basis for the predominant theory as to why rice and other grains, such as wheat, have played a prominent role in marriage ceremonies for centuries, is that they are fraught with symbolism of fertility and of prosperity. By throwing rice at the bride and groom at a wedding, guests symbolically wish them a lifetime full of these blessings.
Historically, in certain primitive tribal cultures, the mere act of supping on rice together bound a couple in matrimony, as eating this local food together implied their living together. In other cultures, the symbolic eating of rice together preceded a shower of rice over the married couple.
Perhaps the most curious use of rice in the wedding ceremony, was its use in some cultures not to unite the happy couple, but to feed the uninvited evil spirits who always attended the ceremony. The rationale behind this practice was to ward off evil, as well-fed evil spirits would bring no harm to the blissful couple
Rice is a symbol of fertility and long life.
Guests throw it at the Bride and Groom as a wish for children and a good life.
Other good luck charms are - confetti; orange blossoms; corn; barley; chick peas; and dates and figs to sweeten the marriage.
Weddings are filled with heart-warming traditions that are as infused with meaning for the couple as they are for their guests. One such tradition is the throwing of rice at the newly married couple, a long-held symbol of good luck, fertility and abundance. Although many countries differ in opinion on what is appropriate throwing material, this tradition spans the globe and is something many little girls dream of in anticipation of their wedding day. The reality is sometimes not quite so pretty. With stories of brides being pelted in the face with rice, falling on the slippery grains, or of guests being denied the opportunity to throw it at all due to venue regulations, this simple and beautiful tradition has taken on a life of its own. Fortunately, there are a variety of substitutions, some more fun than others, that the happy couple can enjoy! From bubbles to butterflies, sparklers to silly string, couples are constantly finding new and creative twists to this long-established tradition. Go to the Rituals page for more stories on other options.
Those who want to retain the traditional symbolism of throwing something over the couple as they leave the church, there are a variety of options. First, of course, is rice. Certainly one of the most inexpensive options, this tradition is truly exquisite and, contrary to the urban legend, it is not harmful to birds. Rice does create a slippery surface though, and can be a little hard on the face when a determined relative is a little too close! Due to the urban legend, many couples have chosen bird seed or sunflower seeds for their nuptials. This, too, is beautiful, but still a little hard and slippery
Since early Roman times some grain - usually wheat - has been associated with the wedding ceremony.
The basis for the predominant theory as to why rice and other grains, such as wheat, have played a prominent role in marriage ceremonies for centuries, is that they are fraught with symbolism of fertility and of prosperity. By throwing rice at the bride and groom at a wedding, guests symbolically wish them a lifetime full of these blessings.
Historically, in certain primitive tribal cultures, the mere act of supping on rice together bound a couple in matrimony, as eating this local food together implied their living together. In other cultures, the symbolic eating of rice together preceded a shower of rice over the married couple.
Perhaps the most curious use of rice in the wedding ceremony, was its use in some cultures not to unite the happy couple, but to feed the uninvited evil spirits who always attended the ceremony. The rationale behind this practice was to ward off evil, as well-fed evil spirits would bring no harm to the blissful couple
Unfortunately these days, many venues frown on this old tradition of throwing rice over the couple. I always advise couples to seek permission first and sadly this tradition seems to be dying out.
If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate a Ritual into your Ceremony, please complete the form on the 'Contact Lena' page.
Also, to check my availability on your preferred date and to arrange an obligation free meeting, please complete the form on the 'Contact Lena' page. Thanks . . . . Lena.
Also, to check my availability on your preferred date and to arrange an obligation free meeting, please complete the form on the 'Contact Lena' page. Thanks . . . . Lena.
