The Malta Independent on Sunday
TRINKETS & TRADITIONS
Something old, something new... there are so many charms and traditions associated with weddings it would be certainly be fun to include some in your celebrations.
Even the least superstitious or sentimental bride is likely to be a little swayed towards some of the many symbols of good luck and happiness for her wedding. One of the most popular, a horseshoe, brings good fortune to your married life. Quite where this idea originated is not too clear; there are many legends, in fact. But as the link can be traced to several countries, over as many centuries, it seems fair enough to continue the tradition. So, somewhere in a bouquet or as a piece of jewellery, a bride may carry a little horseshoe. Other ways to include this token are as decorations on the wedding cake and in the wedding venue or even tied to the bumper of the car in which the bride and groom leave their reception.
Incidentally, while some say a horseshoe must always be pointing upwards so the luck will stay in, others claim if it’s held pointing downwards happiness will pour onto the wearer and all around her, so either way a bride with a horseshoe will be lucky.
Other charms and trinkets linked with a happy marriage are rings, bells, lovebirds, clover, shamrock and flowers, shoes, top hats, hearts, ships and planes, depicting travel and little coins, bags and sacks indicating financial security.
In the early decades of the 20th century, when charm bracelets were extremely popular charms would always be given to celebrate a wedding and for each important anniversary or event that followed. A less well-known custom from Victorian times combines charms and the wedding cake. During the reception, and nowadays perhaps at the bridal shower, a cake pull takes place. Using special techniques silver or gold charms, tied to lengths of white ribbon or tiny pearls threaded on cotton, are inserted into a beautiful cake. You will have to find a baker who knows how this can be done. Rather than being baked into the cake the charms are hidden between the cake layers or the bottom layer and the plate so they can slide in and out easily. At the appointed time the guests gather near the cake with the charm ribbons fanned out around it. Just before it is cut they pull one and claim their charm. The number of charms used depends on who will be invited to pull one. This is up to the bride who will most likely choose bridesmaids and maids of honour, best friends, her mother and mother-inlaw, witnesses, more or less anyone to whom she has a very close connection and deserves such a special wedding souvenir. Sometimes, there are tiny, named labels at the end of each tie and guests pull their own. This is because the bride has chosen a certain charm with a particular association specifically for each one of them. This is a truly delightful way of showing your guests how much they mean to you. If you would like to include this romantic and elegant tradition at your wedding, it’s easy to find ribbon or pearl ties, or make your own. And hundreds of charms can be found either locally or on line, usually with a sweet explanation of what they symbolise.