In Italy, like in many other countries, a few may decide to use practices that represent their traditions or basically add to the attractiveness of their marriage evening. From the tossing of grain to the bridegroom serenading his bride the night https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/42872803 before, italian marriage traditions are a way for couples to make their ceremony even more memorable.
In many cultures the couple gives their guests a wedding favor to thank them for their presence. These are typically called bomboniere and in Italy consist of a present, sugared almonds ( also known as confetti in Italian ), and printed ribbons. The number of almonds in the wedding favour- five or seven- is important as it symbolizes fertility, long life, health, riches and happiness.
Before the ceremony the bride has her hair done in an elegant updo and has a special headpiece called a toc ferro. This custom dates back to antiquity and is intended to ward off bad luck italian brides, such as the possibility that her bride will change her mind.
Because it was once believed that a vein ran from the left finger to the heart, symbolizing love, the groom puts his wedding ring on the left hand. The couple’s commitment to one another led to the wearing of the ring, which also served as a sign of faith.
As the ceremony draws to a close, guests greeted the newlyweds by distributing rice ( symbolizing fertility ) on them. Wheat is used in some areas in place of other types of confetti, but more and more municipalities are now urging residents to use alternative confetti that does n’t harm the environment.
