Table of Content
- The Origin of the Age-Old Tradition
- What Does Something Old Mean At a Wedding?
- What Items Are Included In Something New?
- What Can Be My Something Borrowed?
- How To Pick The Right Something Blue For My Wedding?
- What Is The Meaning Of "A Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe"?
What Does “Something Old, Something New” Mean in Weddings?
This tradition has been around for centuries, and it is one of the most beautiful rituals that you can think of.
Haven't you ever heard of “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe”? This is a symbolic ritual meant to bring lots of love for the couple, along with luck and prosperity to the bride. Each item here represents a heartfelt blessing as she begins her new journey with her beloved.
Meaning of Each Element:
- Something old: This is to honour the bride’s past and family heritage
- Something new: It symbolizes hope, happiness, and the future
- Something borrowed: This item carries the love and luck of another marriage
- Something blue: This here represents fidelity, purity, and lasting love
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A silver sixpence in her shoe: It is supposed to bring wealth and financial fortune
We see these days modern brides returning to their roots across the world. These traditions help them personalize their wedding experience. These symbols bring in a cultural flair, heirloom touches, and a lot of meaning to the marriage. Meanwhile, plentiful and unique gifts from Pataaree make this tradition of "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" timeless and uniquely their own.
They made our special day even more special. They do spectacular work.. so elegant and so time worthy.. thank you 🤩
- Drishti Chaudhary ★★★★★
Every bride dreams of a wedding that feels deeply personal and timeless all at once. One tradition that beautifully blends both is the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ritual. It has been passed down through generations. This charming superstition is more than just a belief. It has become poetic and now packs a cross-cultural punch too.
Brides from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs have started partaking in this tradition and enjoying this symbolism. It is indeed meant to bless her bride with good fortune, continuity, and joy in her new life.
The Origin of the Age-Old Tradition
It is rooted in Victorian England and continues to hold relevance across continents. Today’s multicultural brides, especially in the U.S., love this custom and welcome it with fresh creativity. In this guide, Pataaree will explore the origin and meaning behind the full phrase and also decode each element for you. We will share real-life examples and also offer stylish, culturally inclusive inspiration to help you personalize your wedding.
What Does "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" Mean?
What Does Something Old Mean At a Wedding?
This symbolizes the past of the bride. Your roots, family, and life before marriage. It’s a way for you as a bride to carry your heritage into the new chapter ahead. This item often comes from a parent, grandparent, or loved one whose story the bride/you would want to honour.
For instance, a bride can wear her mother’s wedding veil or dupatta over a modern gown or lehenga, connecting two generations through one meaningful piece of fabric.
Also, carrying an heirloom jewellery box from her grandmother, tucked safely inside a Pataaree bridal trousseau trunk, offers both sentiment and functionality.
In Western-South Asian weddings, this might also mean including an old family photo or handwritten blessing from a late grandparent tucked inside the bride’s kalire.
What Items Are Included In Something New?
These items represent hope, prosperity, and the bright future the couple will build together. They're a symbol of everything fresh. Think of this as a new chapter, the excitement of the union, and the promise of tomorrow.
For example, a sparkling new engagement ring or bridal potli bag symbolizes new beginnings.
Also, custom thaal sets from Pataaree are often used during the wedding ceremony to mark new traditions, passed down from this generation forward.
For many modern brides, this is often the easiest element to incorporate—new shoes, a custom veil, or even a personalized bridal umbrella. It’s also a chance to invest in pieces that define and celebrate your aesthetics, sophistication, creativity, and values.
What Can Be My Something Borrowed?
Now typically, your "something borrowed" can be something from a happily married friend or a family member. This item is believed to bring in good fortune and wisdom to the bride. It’s also quite a touching way to include someone special in the wedding without investing in any grand gestures.
A good example would be borrowing your best friend’s bangles or designer hair clip for the wedding day, especially if they brought her luck at her own wedding.
Another example could be using your sister’s custom bridal umbrella from Pataaree that she used for her Anand Karaj shade or during her outdoor nikah ceremony. This tradition isn’t just about the item itself. It’s about the person behind it and the emotional connection you’re honouring.
How To Pick The Right Something Blue For My Wedding?
Blue symbolizes lifelong fidelity, the purity of your relationship, and love. While not always part of South Asian or Middle Eastern weddings, many brides do like to include a blue accent to honor this part of the tradition.
You can include a bit of delicate blue embroidery in your bridal gown/blouse or sari border, adding a hidden detail with personal meaning.
Some brides choose to carry a Pataaree potli in blue as an accessory to the altar. Now that's a chic nod to tradition.
Want a few more fun examples? You can even paint your toenails light blue or wear sapphire earrings passed down from your family. This way your something blue can also be your something old. And it doesn’t have to be obvious; it just has to be meaningful.
What Is The Meaning Of "A Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe"?
This is a British custom and it symbolizes prosperity and wealth. Though quite rare today, some brides keep a coin in their shoe or purse for good fortune.
Do Brides Still Do "Something Old, Something New"?
Absolutely! This tradition is still going strong after so many years. It remains a heartfelt favorite for many brides across the globe—including those in the U.S. with Indian, Pakistani, or Emirati roots. Brides today reimagine this tradition frequently to reflect their own heritage, style, and values creatively. From repurposing vintage saris to wearing brand-new handcrafted jewellery, it’s all about blending the past with the present.
I remember Shivani, our sweet neighbour back in Chicago, a second-gen Indian-American bride. She wore her mother's antique anklets (something old), borrowed her best friend’s red clutch (something borrowed), added a bracelet studded with sapphires gifted by her aunt (something blue), and wore a custom-made bridal dupatta from Pataaree (something new). Her wedding wove together modern glam and cultural nostalgia beautifully.
And To Conclude…
Whether you’re planning a temple wedding, a calm church ceremony, or a pristine desert garden nikah, these little details make your love story timeless and uniquely yours. More than a superstition, this tradition adds sentimentality to the entire procession. It is a way to pause and reflect. It is a way to celebrate your love, history, and heritage.
FAQs
1. What is the full saying of Something old, something new?
The full saying is quite interesting and it goes like this, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe."
2. What are the four things a bride needs?
The four things a bride needs are something old (can be vintage jewellery), something new (newly purchased trinket), something borrowed (from a friend or cousin), and something blue (an accessory, heirloom, potli, etc.).
3. Do brides still do Something old, something new?
Yes, many modern brides love and still embrace this tradition, often with personal and cultural touches that are more nuanced and creative.
4. What does “something old something new” mean in weddings?
It’s a symbolic tradition that has been kept alive by generations. It is meant to bless the bride with love, good fortune, and prosperity.
5. Is the sixpence part necessary?
No, it’s optional these days. Some brides do skip it or substitute it with a meaningful coin or bring in their own creativity to honor this part.
