A wedding is one of the most important events in a couple’s life. On this special day, every bride dreams of everything going exactly as planned, and every couple hopes for a celebration filled with magic and joy. In Polish tradition, however, there are numerous wedding superstitions believed to bring good fortune and harmony to the newlyweds. While not everyone believes in these old customs, many take them seriously—and following a few of them can become a charming tradition that adds extra emotion and positive energy to the ceremony.
It’s worth getting familiar with the most popular wedding superstitions, especially those related to the wedding dress, the bride’s shoes, and the ways in which the ceremony can be arranged to ensure happiness and harmony in the years to come. So, which superstitions are worth knowing? And which ones are particularly important when it comes to the bride, the groom, and their big day?
Table of contents:
1. What are the superstitions related to marriage?
2. On which days should you avoid getting married? – Wedding superstitions
3. What brings bad luck in marriage?
4. What brings bad luck before the wedding?
5. What should you not do before the wedding?
6. When is it considered lucky to get married – superstitions?
7. What brings happiness on the wedding day?
8. What do shoes symbolize?
9. Why is something blue worn at a wedding?
10. What is needed at a wedding – something borrowed?
11. Is it okay to try on wedding rings before the ceremony?
12. Summary
What are the superstitions related to marriage?
Wedding superstitions related to the day of the ceremony and the organization of the wedding have their roots in traditions passed down from generation to generation. They dictate what brings good luck and what might attract bad luck. One of the most popular superstitions is that the bride's wedding dress should not be seen before the actual wedding day. It is believed that if the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, it could cast a shadow of bad luck on their marriage.
It is often said that the wedding dress, the bride's veil, and the ring are elements that possess special power and a magical aura on the wedding day, which is believed to ensure happiness in the marriage.
Other wedding superstitions are related to the date of the marriage. Many people believe that getting married on the 13th day of the month, especially if it falls on a Friday, is unlucky. Conversely, other superstitions suggest that the best days for a wedding are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as they symbolize good luck, happiness, and stability.
On which days should you avoid getting married? – Wedding superstitions
The choice of wedding date is of great importance not only from an organizational standpoint but also according to beliefs and wedding superstitions. Some days are considered unlucky and, according to old traditions, may bring misfortune to newlyweds in their marriage. While many people treat superstitions with a pinch of salt, some couples prefer to be cautious and choose dates that, according to these beliefs, ensure good luck.
1. Unlucky Thirteen and Friday the 13th
The number 13 has been associated with misfortune for centuries, which is why weddings held on the 13th day of the month are believed to bring bad luck according to superstitions. Even more ominous for marital happiness is Friday the 13th, regarded as an especially unlucky day. Many couples avoid this date, fearing bad luck and difficulties in married life.
2. May – the month of bad luck
There is a popular saying: "Marriage in May – quick sorrow," which according to old beliefs, meant that a marriage contracted in this month could end prematurely. This superstition originates from ancient Rome, where in May the Lemuria festival was celebrated—a day dedicated to honoring the spirits of the dead, which was thought to symbolically negatively influence newlyweds.
3. Holidays and days of reflection
Marriage is not recommended on holidays such as Christmas, Easter, All Saints’ Day, or All Souls’ Day, as these days are dedicated to spiritual reflection, and family celebrations may overshadow the special day of the wedding. Additionally, it is believed that during holidays, the spirits of the deceased may want to take the newlyweds with them, making a wedding on these days unlucky.
4. Lent and Advent
In Catholic tradition, organizing weddings during Lent and Advent—the periods of reflection and preparation for major holidays—is discouraged. The superstition holds that marriages entered into during these times will be sad and joyless. Many churches are reluctant to perform marriages during these periods or impose restrictions on the ceremony.
5. Days with unfavorable symbolism according to the calendar and astrology
Some superstitions advise against getting married on Mondays, which symbolize difficult beginnings, and Saturdays, which, according to ancient beliefs, bring quarrels and discord in marriage. It is also believed that a wedding during Mercury’s retrograde—when the planet appears to be moving backward in the sky—may lead to misunderstandings and communication difficulties in the relationship.
6. November – a month for the dead, not for newlyweds
November, especially in Slavic cultures, is a month dedicated to remembering the deceased. According to superstitions, weddings held during this time may bring sorrow and suffering to the couple.
What brings bad luck in marriage?
Although marriage is a joyful occasion, wedding superstitions warn against certain things that might bring bad luck to married life. One of the most well-known superstitions is that the bride should not see her wedding dress before the wedding day.
It was believed that if the bride saw her wedding dress before the ceremony, her marriage would not be a happy one. Another unlucky symbol is giving shoes as a gift. This could signify an unfavorable start to a new phase of married life. Another superstition states that one should not walk around the house on the wedding day before leaving for the ceremony, as it symbolizes "a return to the past" rather than moving forward into a new chapter of life.
What brings bad luck before a wedding?
Superstitions related to weddings encompass not only the ceremony itself but also the period leading up to this special day. According to tradition, there are many beliefs intended to protect the newlyweds from bad luck and to ensure happiness in their married life. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Engagement ring
Do not touch it before the wedding day: One of the most popular superstitions concerns the engagement ring. Tradition says that it should not be tried on before the wedding day because its energy is "locked" within the symbolism of engagement.
Balance of Energy Disruption: Having others try on the engagement ring may disturb its energetic balance, which is believed to lead to difficulties in future marriage.
2. Haste in wedding preparations
Rushing the decision on the wedding date: Traditionally, it is thought that making a hasty decision about the wedding date can signal uncertainty and a chaotic beginning to married life.
Optimal timing for preparations: It is important to plan the wedding well in advance, allowing for a calm organization and avoiding stress. Harmonious planning is believed to bring happiness and stability to the couple’s future married life.
3. Attention to details
Precision in choosing the date and details: Superstitions suggest that paying attention to every detail of the wedding, including selecting an appropriate date, is crucial for the future marriage. Planning calmly helps avoid chaos and negative influences on the relationship.
According to beliefs, observing these superstitions can protect the bride and groom from bad luck, ensuring them a fortunate start to their marriage.
What should you avoid doing before the wedding?
There are many traditions and superstitions that specify what to avoid before getting married to ensure a happy and peaceful married life. It's worth following these rules to prevent future misfortunes and to start your life together with full optimism.
1. Seeing the wedding dress before the ceremony
Why shouldn't the bride see her dress before the wedding? There is a deeply rooted superstition that says the bride should not see her dress in full glory before the day of the ceremony. It is believed that doing so in advance could bring bad luck, as it would disrupt the magical moment when she sees herself in it for the first time on her wedding day.
This moment should be filled with surprise, emotion, and joy. The sight of the dress is meant to symbolize a new beginning, and seeing it in all its splendor for the first time should evoke a sense of uniqueness.
"First sight" is the magic of the moment: This tradition emphasizes how important the moment is when the bride first sees herself in her dream dress. It is a very personal and emotional moment, full of beauty and symbolism. Preserving this tradition helps create a unique atmosphere that makes the wedding day even more magical.
2. Wedding shoes – significance and symbolism
Shoes are not just a detail – they are a symbol of the future: Choosing wedding shoes is more than just selecting a model that matches the dress. Tradition states that the shoes chosen by the bride hold significant symbolic meaning. It is important that they are carefully selected and not too cheap, as it was believed that inexpensive shoes could bring bad luck and symbolize difficulties in married life.
It’s similar to building foundations – the basis on which you build your shared life should be strong and stable.
Elegant shoes – a guarantee of happiness and success: That’s why it’s worth choosing stylish, solid footwear that will not only look beautiful but also be comfortable to wear all day long. They symbolize stability and prosperity, and selecting the right pair can help attract positive energy for the future. Remember, shoes are the first step into this new chapter of life, so it’s important that they are appropriate for the occasion.
3. Choosing a wedding dress – the support of loved ones makes a huge difference
Don’t choose your gown alone – the support of loved ones is essential: There is also a superstition that a bride should not select her wedding dress entirely on her own. It is valuable to have close family members or friends involved in the process—mother, sister, or a trusted friend. Their presence in the bridal salon not only creates an atmosphere of love and harmony but also helps in making a decision that truly reflects the bride’s personality.
Choosing a wedding dress with loved ones – a shared preparation for the future: The help of close ones in selecting the gown carries a deep symbolic meaning. It is not just a matter of fashion, but also a collective contribution to the preparations for the big day. It serves as a symbolic invitation to jointly create the future, which greatly influences harmony within the marriage. Picking out the dress together is also a moment when the bride can feel loved and supported by her closest people, providing a sense of confidence on her way to the altar.
These traditions and superstitions might seem somewhat old-fashioned, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of many couples. Observing these customs helps create a unique atmosphere around the wedding—full of symbolism, love, and hope for a happy married life. What may seem like mere superstition often carries deeper meaning—it influences our emotions and how we perceive this important day.
When to get married? Wedding superstitions
Choosing the right month to get married is of great importance in Polish traditions and superstitions. June is one of the most recommended months for tying the knot because, in tradition, it symbolizes love, joy, abundance, and the fullness of life. It is a month that brings good luck to the young couple, ensuring not only faithfulness but also prosperity in their new life together. June is also a time when nature blossoms and the days are the longest, creating a sense of abundance and harmony.
September, in turn, is the month that symbolizes the longevity of marriage. According to tradition, a wedding held in this month ensures a long and love-filled life together for the couple. It is also considered a superstition that a couple who decides to marry in September has a chance for a lasting and happy future, filled with mutual support.
On the other hand, weddings organized in other months, especially during winter, are not as popular because, according to tradition, they symbolize cold, difficulties, and challenging times. A winter wedding, although beautiful in its uniqueness, may be viewed as bringing challenges to married life. It is worth considering these superstitions, but also to follow one's own feelings and what is important to the bride and groom.
What brings happiness at a wedding?
To ensure happiness in marriage, it is important to remember a few traditions that carry symbolic meaning. One of the most important superstitions is to have something borrowed, something old, and something blue. For example, the borrowed item could be a piece of jewelry given by a close relative, symbolizing support and assistance from loved ones. This gesture is believed to bring happiness and harmony to married life.
Something old represents the continuity of family traditions; therefore, many brides choose to wear a dress borrowed from their mother or grandmother, and jewelry inherited from ancestors. In this way, the newlyweds enter their new life while preserving memories of previous generations.
Blue on a wedding day, according to tradition, is believed to ensure fidelity and good fortune in marriage. It can be a ribbon, a flower in the bouquet, or an element of the bride’s dress. The color blue symbolizes purity, harmony, and above all, fidelity and loyalty, which are the foundations of a happy marriage.
What do shoes symbolize?
Wedding shoes are much more than just an item of clothing – they are a symbolic detail that plays an important role on the wedding day. In wedding tradition, shoes represent stability, confidence, and the journey of life that the newlyweds are about to embark on. By wearing them, the bride takes her first step on a new marital path, and each subsequent step symbolizes the shared journey that the spouses will take together throughout their lives.
Like other elements of the bride’s attire, shoes are also meant to serve as a reminder of the importance of striving toward a common goal. They symbolize “taking steps” into a new phase of life. On one hand, they signify solidity and stability; on the other, they reflect readiness to face all challenges together. According to tradition, wedding shoes are believed to possess the power to attract happiness and prosperity, ensuring the newlyweds success and well-being in their new married life.
Choosing the right shoes is therefore very important. It is essential that they are carefully selected and appropriate for the overall tone of the ceremony. It's not just about aesthetics, but also about symbolic significance. Many superstitions suggest that shoes should not be too cheap, as they might bring bad luck.
On the other hand, selecting elegant, carefully chosen shoes that highlight the uniqueness of the wedding day should give the bride confidence and make her feel special. Shoes should also reflect her personality – they can be classic, modern, or bold, but in any case, they should match the overall style of the wedding and mirror the bride's character.
The color of the shoes also carries meaning. Traditionally, white or beige shoes suit an elegant, classic ceremony, while some brides opt for bolder colors like gold, silver, or soft pastels. These colors also symbolize different aspects related to marriage – gold represents durability and wealth, while silver signifies purity and independence. Regardless of the color, a bride’s shoes should be a cohesive element of her wedding look, boosting her confidence and serving as a reminder that every path she takes is filled with new, exciting challenges.
Bridal shoes are thus a symbol of walking together through life—full of love, stability, and trust. Alongside the dress and other accessories, they express the emotions that accompany the bride and groom on this special day. These shoes will guide her through the ceremony and later through their shared life, always reminding them of the strength of the journey they have chosen as spouses.
Read also: Comfortable wedding shoes - how to choose and match them to your wedding dress?
Why add something blue to the wedding outfit?
The tradition of incorporating something blue into the wedding attire has a long history and deep symbolic meaning. The color blue at a wedding primarily symbolizes fidelity, purity, and good luck in the marriage.
What to have at a wedding - something borrowed?
"Something borrowed" is one of the most charming and deeply symbolic traditions present in many cultures, including Polish. This superstition suggests that the bride should have on her wedding day something that previously belonged to someone else—preferably a close person, such as her mother, sister, or a dear friend. This element is meant to symbolize the support, assistance, and blessings that the bride and groom receive from their loved ones.
The borrowed item is also believed to attract positive energy, ensuring happiness, love, and harmony for the newlyweds as they start their life together.
The choice of what exactly to borrow depends on the preferences of the bride and groom, but commonly borrowed accessories or clothing items include jewelry (such as a necklace or bracelet), a shawl, lace ribbon, or elements of the outfit like a bolero or gloves. Often, accessories added to the wedding dress are borrowed as well, designed to add character and elegance, while also serving as a reminder of the support the bride receives from her loved ones.
In this context, a borrowed item also symbolizes an openness to receiving help from others and a readiness to share happiness with loved ones. It's a gesture of gratitude, expressed not only materially but also through emotions and the bonds between the newlyweds and their family. Such a symbolic touch introduces positive energy into the ceremony, ensuring the couple doesn't feel isolated on their life's journey, as they know their loved ones will always be there, ready to offer support.
This tradition, in turn, has its roots in ancient times, when borrowed items were believed to attract good fortune and protect against negative energies. It was thought that the exchange of objects between close individuals had the power to strengthen family and friendly ties. This is particularly important on a wedding day, when emotions run high and the spouses embark on a new chapter of life.
A borrowed item can also symbolize shared experiences and memories. It's worth noting that what we borrow for a wedding often holds emotional value, regardless of its price or brand. It might be something belonging to the bride's mother, thereby symbolizing the inheritance of tradition, as well as respect and love for one's family. Such an item also serves as a talisman, intended not only to bring good luck but also a sense of security in the new marital life.
Can you try on wedding rings before the wedding?
Trying on wedding rings before the ceremony is a topic often tied to various superstitions. On one hand, many people see no issue with it, viewing it as a natural part of wedding preparations. This is especially true given that wedding rings symbolize love and the enduring nature of a relationship. On the other hand, some traditions suggest that rings shouldn't be tried on before the ceremony, as it might "disrupt" their symbolism.
Why do some couples avoid trying on wedding rings before the ceremony?
For many, wedding rings are profound symbols of marriage and a lasting bond. Because of this, some people believe that putting them on before the wedding day could "spoil the magic" of that pivotal moment. There's a common superstition that rings worn by others, or even just tried on before the wedding, might bring bad luck. The act of placing the rings on each other's fingers during the ceremony is seen as unique and special, a moment that shouldn't be preempted.
The modern approach
Today, more and more couples are approaching this issue with greater flexibility. If trying on the rings helps with sizing or simply brings joy, many choose to do so without concern. However, it's worth remembering that for a significant number of people, the act of putting on the rings on the wedding day remains a deeply meaningful and symbolic gesture, an integral part of the ceremony itself.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with the engaged couple. It's wise to consider both traditional beliefs and your own personal convictions. If both partners are comfortable with it, they can easily adapt their approach to suit their preferences while still respecting the rings' profound symbolism.
Read also: Wedding Rings – which to choose?
The essence of wedding traditions: beyond superstition
Wedding superstitions, though steeped in tradition and symbolism, don't always hold real significance for the marriage itself. Many couples gladly participate in rituals like wearing "something blue" or avoiding a Friday the 13th wedding, believing these acts will attract good luck and prosperity. However, what truly makes the day special are the love, joy, and mutual support shared by the couple.
These small superstitions can certainly add charm and even bring a smile, but the real magic lies in the relationship you build every day. It's your love and intentions that make the wedding day unforgettable and full of emotion. Ultimately, the most important thing is that your actions come from the heart, rather than solely from beliefs or traditions that don't always dictate your future.