THE ORIGIN OF THE BOUQUET
Symbolizes life, growth, and fertility. Herbs ward off evil spirits. Flowers with different meanings are assembled into a bouquet. Flower meanings:
Acacia = Elegance
Carnations = Fidelity
Honeysuckle – Generosity
Hyacinth = Playfulness
Irises = Wisdom
Orchids = Fertility
Roses = Love
WHY ORANGE BLOSSOMS?
There are cycles of favor for bridal flowers just as with other bridal fashions. There was the era of rosemary, then myrtle, and more recently, the orange blossom has enjoyed a full century of popularity. Carried from Spain to France many years ago, and then to America, the orange blossom wedding tradition became so strong that brides wore the flowerets moulded in wax when they couldn’t get fresh blossoms.
The meaning is significant: the orange tree is one of the very few in all nature that bears its flowers and its fruit at the same time — a symbol of young and fruitful spouse. Because the tree from which orange blossoms come is an evergreen, they are also thought to symbolize the everlasting nature of the newlywed’s love for each other.
THE ORIGIN OF THE FAMILIES SITTING ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE CHURCH
Fathers would sometimes offer their daughters as peace offerings to warring tribes. Because of the hostility, the families were placed on opposite sides of the church so the ceremony could go on without bloodshed. The ceremony united the two warring factions into a family, and danger of war was resolved.
THE ORIGIN OF TAKING EACH OTHER’S RIGHT HAND
The open right hand is a symbol of strength, resource and purpose. The coming together of both right hands is a symbol that both the bride and the groom can depend on each other and the resources that each brings to the marriage. It also represents the merger of their lives together into one.
