Weddings are filled with many traditions that have been around for hundreds of years but have you ever stopped and asked yourself why they’re in place? Why are there wedding rings? Why do you wear your ring on the third finger of your left hand?  Why is it bad luck for your groom to see you before the ceremony? Here are some common traditions with explanations as to why they’re in place.

Wedding Rings – The ring symbolizes never ending love because of its circular shape. Originally rings used to be made out of braided grass or other shrubbery that had to be replaced every year. Nowadays people are able to have gold or silver rings which make them much more durable!

Why the Third Finger of Your Left Hand? This idea originated with ancient people believing the vein in the third finger of your left hand ran directly to your heart. Obviously this isn’t the case but the tradition has still stuck around!

Bad Luck for the Groom to See You? It used to be considered bad luck for your groom to see you before your wedding because your ceremony marked a break between your past life and your new life and was never to overlap. A bride wasn’t even supposed to look at herself in the mirror as she would leave some of her old self behind in the reflection!

Why have a Honeymoon? In ancient marriages the honeymoon was a 30-day period after the wedding where the couple would drink fermented honey drink. This was a period the couple hoped would bring them fertility and they could enjoy their time together before taking up all the responsibilities of marriage.