Few wedding traditions are as recognisable as the saying: “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Many brides follow the tradition without knowing where it came from or what each part represents. While the rhyme has evolved, each item carries its own symbolism, connecting the bride’s past, present and future as she begins married life.
Where Did the Tradition Come From?
The tradition comes from an old English rhyme that became popular in Victorian-era England. The full rhyme is: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The tradition was particularly associated with brides carrying or wearing five symbolic items on their wedding day. Each item was believed to bring good fortune and protection to the marriage. Although the tradition is often described simply as an old English wedding custom, some of its individual symbols have older roots in European wedding customs and folklore. Over time, the tradition travelled beyond England and became one of the most recognisable wedding customs around the world.
Something Old
Something old represents continuity. It connects the bride to her family, her past and the life she lived before marriage. The idea was that carrying something from the past would help preserve the connection between the bride and the people and traditions she came from. Today, “something old” is often one of the most sentimental parts of the tradition. It doesn’t have to be valuable. Its importance comes from the story behind it.
Something New
Something new represents hope and optimism for the future. Marriage marks the beginning of a new chapter, so something new symbolises the life the couple is about to create together. Traditionally, the new item could be something purchased specifically for the wedding.
Something Borrowed
Something borrowed traditionally represents borrowed happiness and good fortune. The borrowed item was ideally something belonging to a happily married woman. By borrowing something from her, the bride was symbolically taking some of her happiness and marital good fortune into her own marriage. The item would eventually be returned, reinforcing the idea that the bride was temporarily borrowing this good fortune. Modern brides often borrow something meaningful from a mother, grandmother, sister or close friend. It might be a piece of jewellery, a veil, a handbag or even a small accessory. The person you choose can make the tradition particularly meaningful.
Something Blue
Something blue traditionally represents love, fidelity and purity. The colour blue has been associated with weddings for centuries. In earlier wedding traditions, blue was connected with qualities considered important in marriage, including faithfulness and devotion. The blue doesn’t have to be obvious. For some brides, the blue becomes a tiny secret detail hidden within the wedding outfit.
And What About the Sixpence?
The original rhyme includes one more element that is often forgotten: “A silver sixpence in her shoe.” The sixpence traditionally represented prosperity and good fortune. The bride would place the coin in her shoe as a wish for financial security and abundance in married life. The tradition is less common today, particularly because the British sixpence is no longer in circulation, but some couples still recreate it using a vintage coin or a specially purchased keepsake.
What began as an old wedding rhyme has become a beautiful way for brides to carry pieces of their past, present and future with them as they walk down the aisle. And perhaps that is why the tradition has survived for generations, because underneath all the symbolism is a simple idea:
Your wedding day may be the beginning of a new chapter, but you never begin it alone.
