What Do you Know About the Tradition of Good Luck ?

SAVVY Q: What’s the story behind theTradition of Good Luck?

SAVVY A:

Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Everyone has heard this little poem offering good luck advice to brides. But what does it mean? Why do you need old, new, borrowed, and blue, and what on earth is a sixpence?

A bride wears or carries “something old” to assure continuity with her family. With “something new” she shows her optimism and hope for the future. “Something borrowed” should be an item from a happily married family member or friend so that, hopefully, the good fortune of the happily married will carry over to the newly married. Why blue? Since ancient times, blue has been used for weddings because the color symbolizes love, modesty, fidelity, and purity.

A silver sixpence was a British coin, and a bride who slipped one in her shoe was clearly hoping for financial security in her marriage. The coin is no longer minted; however, there are specialty companies that offer a replica. It’s perfectly acceptable to substitute a dime or a penny. Just be sure it’s in the left shoe! ~JSC