Do you know the meanings behind wedding symbols? Why we tend to associate things like bells and doves with weddings?
If not, today you’re going to find out!
We can find meaning and symbolism in almost everything. When it comes to getting married, it’s fun to explore the meanings behind wedding symbols. Now, not every wedding will feature the symbols listed in this post. However, traditionally, weddings often did. It wasn’t until recently that we had a million different design options for our weddings. Back in the day, symbols like bells and doves were super common to represent a wedding.
While the wedding symbols in this post may not be the most popular items at weddings today, they are still fun to learn about. And, though meanings can be open to interpretation and vary based on the source, learning about the history of weddings can be very intriguing. Plus, in many cases, the meanings behind wedding symbols can warm your heart. It’s the kind of thing that makes me go “aww”.
The Meanings Behind Wedding Symbols
This post is going to showcase and explain the meanings behind wedding symbols. It’s not all-inclusive, and will focus on traditional symbols and shapes found in American and Canadian weddings. It’s going to be a fun post. If you end up feeling inspired to showcase bells or doves at your wedding after reading this post, go for it. Know that it’ll be a cute nod to tradition and showcase some sweet symbolism.
Let’s get into it!
SYMBOLISM IN WEDDING CHARMS
I want to take a moment to explore wedding charms, before we get into the actual wedding symbols.
Charms, in a literal sense, are small objects. They are often on a charm bracelet. Charms can be found attached to ribbons in cakes, or used at weddings to predict the future. They can also be a fun way to identify a wish or blessing for someone.
For example, there’s a southern tradition of having a cake pull at weddings. Charms are attached to ribbons, and then placed in a wedding cake. Ladies at the wedding will stand around the cake, each holding onto an end of ribbon. They pull their ribbon out at the same time, and see what charm is on the end. The charm helps predict what will happen next in their life. Typical predictions include an impeding wedding, having a baby, going on an adventure, or coming into wealth.
To learn more about the cake pull tradition, this is a fun article.
Now, let’s get into actual wedding symbols.
THE MEANING BEHIND THE KNOT
Have you ever wondered why a knot is associated with weddings?
I mean, there are so many references to a knot when we think about marriage, right? There’s the phrase “tying the knot”. A quick glance at bridesmaid gift ideas, and you’ll find tons of jewelry options that feature a knot. There’s even the number one wedding website and guide, The Knot. Where did it come from?
Well, the knot refers to two people being bound together. The first reference to it goes back to Roman times, where the bride would wear a belt tied in a “Hercules knot”. This knot was symbolic of how the couple’s vows tied them together. The knot also refers to an ancient Celtic wedding tradition where couples had their hands tied together in “handfasting” once they were engaged. According to this source, handfasting dates back as far as 7000 BC in ancient Ireland!
THE MEANING BEHIND DOVES
Doves are another common wedding symbol. The main thing that doves represent is peace.
In fact, doves showcase not only peace, but new beginnings. The origin of the meaning behind this wedding symbol goes back to the Bible, with reference to doves coming back to Noah’s Arc after the great flood. We can also find doves in history. According to this article, the release of doves at weddings started over 4500 years ago in the 5th Egyptian Dynasty.
Historically, a dove release at a wedding has symbolized a way to bless the newlyweds. It is supposed to show love, prosperity, and peace for them. Doves are the chosen birds to showcase this because they actually fall in love and mate for life. When they leave their nests, they come home, and both partners care for their young doves.
THE MEANING BEHIND WEDDING BELLS
Wedding bells are very symbolic. However, these days, unless a wedding is in a church we don’t usually hear or see bells in weddings anymore.
Where did the association with bells and weddings come from?
Well, wedding bells are also rooted in ancient Celtic and Irish traditions. The sounding of bells has been in wedding ceremonies to symbolize having an abundance of wealth. And, the bells scare away anything evil that may be trying to steal that wealth and prosperity from the newlyweds.
On a more practical and fun standpoint, the ringing of wedding bells shared the news that a couple had just gotten married. It was a way to spread the joy and happiness to anyone within earshot of the bells.
As time has gone on, brides have found ways to use bells beyond just having them rung at their weddings. For example, wedding bells are often in décor, on invitations, and on favors.
THE MEANING BEHIND BOUQUETS & FLOWERS
Let’s go over the meanings behind wedding symbols that involve bouquets and flowers.
Now, I’ve shared a few times why flowers, and bouquets, are often associated with weddings. I mean, flowers are a huge part of many weddings. It’s pretty rare that you attend a wedding that has literally no flowers.
Historically, bouquets served a few different functions at weddings. First, they have been associated with warding off evil spirts. This belief goes back to the Middle Ages. Additionally, flowers are beautiful and smell good. Back in times when bathing was rare, bouquets could ensure that pleasant smells were available on wedding days. In fact, herbs like dill, and flowers such as marigolds, have long been seen as aphrodisiacs, allowing newlyweds to “get into the mood” after their weddings.
According to this article, ancient Romans believed that flowers could bless newlyweds with a few different things. For them, flowers represented fertility, faithfulness, and new beginnings. All great wishes for a newly married couple.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Friends, this was a fun post. Remember, the meanings behind wedding symbols can vary based on your source and culture. In some locations, items like bells and doves may mean something totally different to a wedding than in American culture. And, there are a variety of reasons a symbol may be important throughout history, as trends change. No matter what you have at your wedding, the meanings behind the wedding symbols you use should be important to you. Happy wedding planning!
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