I wasn’t planning on a second installment of “Wedding Traditions” until I came across some more neat stuff while reading what else? Wedding magazines.

Here ya go. Enjoy!

Handfasting – this is an ancient Celtic tradition symbolizing the joining of two people in marriage. There are many versions of this gesture illustrating the union of husband and wife and is the origin of the phrase “tying the knot”. Since this ritual is not universally allowed at all religious ceremonies, you should first check with your officiant and church, if applicable.

Handfasting

Breaking the Glass – this Jewish tradition in which the groom steps on a glass symbolizes many things, among them life’s great joy and sadness, a hope that your happiness will be as plentiful as the shards of glass and the couple being forever changed by the marriage and taking on a new form. P.S. I just found this cool website where not only will you find LOTS more information about this tradition, but they also do really cool things with the shards of glass. Check it out! MazelTovGlass.com. Be sure to use thin glass and wrap it in a napkin so the shards don’t fly.

Jumping the Broom – In this African-American tradition, the couple jumps over a broom to symbolize the sweeping away of the old and starting anew. This custom dates back to the days when the slaves weren’t allowed to marry. It represented “jumping” into the bonds of domesticity.

Jumping the Broom

Sand Ceremony – Representing the merging of two families (or two people), the family members (or just the couple) combine sand from different vessels into one bowl. Perfect for a beach wedding!

Sand Ceremony