Each item in this well known poem represents a good-luck token for the bride:
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
This tradition originally probably started some considerable time ago as the line relating to the colour blue dates back to Roman times where blue was the colour of love. Yet the sixpence is much more modern by comparison and the coin was in circulation in the UK for relatively short time between 1951 -67, so suggested the version we still recite today has it's origins in this period.
The "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" represents hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.
The photography here is courtesy of a good friend and is of Mr & Mrs Brown, on their wedding day 6th June 1959 at 2pm in Blackpool when I am sure a silver sixpence would have been readily available. This image has also given me an idea to expand further in this Blog not only the changes in wedding fashion but also how things go full circle. So if you are interested please keep reading .........Labels: marc byram wedding photography fashion wedding dress photography cheshire well know peom something old something new
