Traditional italian wedding ceremonies

It's interesting:
"Just as the happy couple wanted, this is a lovely, small, intimate gathering of close friends and family – so could someone please tell me why I'm here."

Italian wedding ceremonies traditionally take place in churches, known as "sposarsi in chiesa." Most couples follow certain traditions and folklore, one of which is the tying of a large bowed ribbon on the doorway of the church on the day of the wedding to let passersby know that a marriage is to take place. The couple also ties the same kind of ribbon on the doors of all the houses from the bride's home to the church to signify the "tying of the knot."

1. The Way to the Church

   • On the morning of an Italian wedding, the groom fetches the bride from her house and walks her to church, but he cannot see her until she stands beside him at the altar. This is where the veil serves to hide the bride from her groom as well as protect her from evil spirits. Another tradition is for the groom to wait in front of the church and present his intended with a bouquet of fragrant herbs when she comes, again to ward off evil spirits.

   Path Obstacles

   • When the bride and groom walk together to the church, their neighbors place obstacles in their path to find out how they react to certain domestic situations. If they throw a broom by the bride's path and she picks it up, she will be a good housekeeper. If they put a child in their way, the couple should both stop and help the child to signify that they will be good parents.

   The Ceremony

   • The "sposalizio," or church service, usually includes a Catholic mass and the marriage rite. During the ceremony, the bride stands to the left of the groom, so that the man's right hand is free to defend with a sword, should a rival come to take her away. Ancient Roman law required 10 witnesses at the wedding, so they enlist bridesmaids and groomsmen who are in almost similar attire as the bride and groom to confuse jealous evil spirits.

   Timing

   • Most weddings take place on Sunday because Italians consider it the luckiest day for the sacrament of matrimony. Weddings occur throughout the year except during Lent and Advent, as well as the month of May, since it is especially set aside for the veneration of the Virgin Mary. Marrying in the month of August is also unpopular because Italians believe that this month invites sickness and bad luck.

   Wishes of Luck

   • At the end of Italian weddings, the newlyweds commonly break a vase or wine glass. They count the broken pieces to supposedly foretell the number of years the couple will be happily married. As they exit the church, guests throw rice or paper confetti at the newlyweds to wish them good fortune. Afterward, the newlyweds release a pair of doves into the air to represent love, peace and happiness.

Source: www.ehow.com

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