Good luck wedding superstitions

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In Sweden, a bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe so she will never have to go without.

Couples on the verge of tying the knot spend lots of time hoping their wedding days go off without a hitch. The threat of raindrops or temporarily misplaced rings can make couples feel that the hands of fate are casting bad luck on the proceedings, but couples need not worry.

Superstitions are not always negative, and there are many things thought to bestow good luck on couples about to become husband and wife. The following are some of the more popular harbingers of good luck couples can look for on their wedding days.

Rain: Rain signifies various things in different cultures, and many of those amount to a dose of good fortune for a wedding. Rain can represent fertility, suggesting that couples will have many children. Rain also can signify cleansing and renewal or the washing away of past ills.

• Sugar: Many Greeks believe tucking a sugar cube into your glove will mean a sweet union between the newly betrothed.
• Coins: In Sweden, a bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe so she will never have to go without.
• Unpleasant things: Egyptian women may pinch the bride on her wedding day for good luck. The English believe finding a spider in your wedding dress means good luck.
• Bells: Bells may chime at Irish weddings to keep evil spirits away and ensure a harmonious family life. Some brides also will tuck small bells into their bouquets.
• Day: Some cultures view certain days as luckier than others for getting married. English tradition suggested Wednesday was the best day for getting married, with Monday
  weddings bringing wealth and Tuesday events bringing good health. Interestingly, English folklore states that Saturday is the unluckiest day to tie the knot.

Many traditions worldwide aim to keep bad spirits away from wedding proceedings and ensure good luck. Middle Eastern brides, for example, paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves. The tradition of the groom carrying his bride over the threshold is to protect her from evil spirits lurking below.

Good luck charms are also popular but vary greatly depending on culture and geography. Such superstitions give some brides and grooms a little more security on their wedding days.