Ways to Wedded Bliss

For many people their wedding day is the most important planned date in their lives and there are a whole range of symbols and customs associated with it. (0) --J-- is the customs of throwing confetti - a colourful mix of small pieces of paper, sometimes in the form of horseshoes, slippers and hearts. (1) and the practice comes from the Roman tradition of throwing almonds and nuts as fertility symbols. In many countries the wedding guests throw grain - often rice - although increasingly they use a paper substitute. (2) from which future generations will grow, and the scattering of seeds encourages a fruitful marriage. However, in some parts of the world there are other reasons for throwing sweet things. (3) raisins, figs and dates are scattered to 'sweeten' the general proceedings. And then again, the Inuit people of North America don't throw sweet things at all, but old shoes as an aid to fertility. (4) associated with weddings were originally designed to protect the bridal couple from evil influences. probably the most universal talisman still in use is the veil. (5) to hide the bride from evil spirits. The Chinese are particularly wary of evil presences during what the see the 'limbo' period, the time from when the bride leaves her house until her arrival at the ceremony, so she travels inside a closed sedan chair. (6) in some Russian ceremonies in which all the doors, windows and chimneys are sealed to prevent witches entering the wedding.