Why is the bouquet thrown?
One of the most anticipated moments for wedding guests is the bouquet toss. Whether as a sign of hope or a hint to the couple, this tradition is an important part of the celebration, but have you ever wondered where this practice originated?
Changing traditions
To answer this question, a journey back in time is long and imprecise, as there is no exact date for the beginning of this custom. However, from what is known, it can be said that it was in France, during the 14th century.
At that time, the bouquet toss was not customary; instead, male guests had to chase the bride in order to remove the garter from her leg. This garter not only signified the bride's purity but also brought good fortune to whoever obtained it after the chase.
Due to the discomfort caused by being chased and groped, some women chose to voluntarily remove their garments and throw them at the men. However, the church authorities were not pleased with the idea of underwear being thrown on church grounds.
As a solution, the garter would be replaced by the bouquet, a situation that would make men uncomfortable, switching roles with the female guests at the celebration, although the meaning of good fortune remained for whoever caught the flowers.
The passage of time
Over the generations, the meaning of luck would transform into an indicator of the next bride, resulting in the tradition we know today. Although this is only part of the new interpretation.
Since the garter toss remains, although it is performed outside the church grounds and is not performed by the bride, but by the groom, who throws it to the male crowd, still as a symbol of good fortune and indicating a future marriage.
As you can see, this wedding custom is another of the many that hides a very different story than what we know today. So when it's time to throw the bouquet or garter, you'll already know where this act of spreading good luck in love comes from.
Changing traditions
To answer this question, a journey back in time is long and imprecise, as there is no exact date for the beginning of this custom. However, from what is known, it can be said that it was in France, during the 14th century.
At that time, the bouquet toss was not customary; instead, male guests had to chase the bride in order to remove the garter from her leg. This garter not only signified the bride's purity but also brought good fortune to whoever obtained it after the chase.
Due to the discomfort caused by being chased and groped, some women chose to voluntarily remove their garments and throw them at the men. However, the church authorities were not pleased with the idea of underwear being thrown on church grounds.
As a solution, the garter would be replaced by the bouquet, a situation that would make men uncomfortable, switching roles with the female guests at the celebration, although the meaning of good fortune remained for whoever caught the flowers.
The passage of time
Over the generations, the meaning of luck would transform into an indicator of the next bride, resulting in the tradition we know today. Although this is only part of the new interpretation.
Since the garter toss remains, although it is performed outside the church grounds and is not performed by the bride, but by the groom, who throws it to the male crowd, still as a symbol of good fortune and indicating a future marriage.
As you can see, this wedding custom is another of the many that hides a very different story than what we know today. So when it's time to throw the bouquet or garter, you'll already know where this act of spreading good luck in love comes from.
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