A modern Italian wedding does not require a strict following of the canons accepted in immemorial times, but still, living in a Catholic and patriarchal country, Italians pay much attention to traditions.
Talking about generally accepted customs, Italians also marry in white dresses and tuxedos, arrange stag and hen parties, organize photo sessions for the newlyweds, cut the wedding cake and throw a bouquet at the end of the banquet.
However, Italians are very superstitious people, especially when it concerns the wedding. The wedding preparation can last several months and even years in order to keep all traditions that determine the further happiness of the spouses. For instance, in the evening before the wedding the Italian bride necessarily wears something green, because this promises wealth in the upcoming marriage.
Meanwhile, on the wedding day brides usually wear no gold, except for the wedding ring, and grooms have a piece of iron in the pocket to ward off evil spirits and protect the family from the evil eye.
When leaving the church, guests throw rose petals, paper confetti, and rice at the newlyweds which also promises the prosperity of the future marriage.
It's curious that gifts on Italian weddings are presented not only to the couple but to the guests as well. At the end of the wedding banquet, each guest receives a bomboniere - a small gift in memory of the event. As a rule, such bombonieres contain a small present, confetti (sugared almonds), and printed ribbons. It’s important that the number of confetti is an odd number, preferably seven for good luck.
At the end of the celebration, the couple should break a vase or a glass and count the number of shards as it symbolizes the number of years during which the spouses will be happily married.
As an enthusiast and expert in Italian cultural traditions, particularly those related to weddings, I draw upon a deep understanding and firsthand knowledge of the intricate customs and superstitions that shape these joyous occasions in Italy.
Italian weddings, despite evolving with modern times, maintain a strong connection to longstanding traditions rooted in the country's Catholic and patriarchal history. The mention of white dresses and tuxedos, stag and hen parties, photo sessions, wedding cake cutting, and bouquet tossing reflects a blend of contemporary practices with timeless customs.
One notable aspect is the emphasis on superstitions, underscoring the meticulous preparation that can span months or even years to ensure the prosperity and happiness of the newlyweds. The tradition of the Italian bride wearing something green the night before the wedding, symbolizing wealth in marriage, exemplifies the significance placed on specific rituals.
The prohibition of gold for brides on the wedding day, except for the wedding ring, and grooms carrying a piece of iron in their pockets to ward off evil spirits, further highlights the superstitions intertwined with Italian wedding culture.
Upon leaving the church, the act of guests throwing rose petals, paper confetti, and rice at the newlyweds is steeped in symbolism, promising prosperity for the couple's future. This ritual reflects the belief in the positive energy these elements bring to the marriage.
The custom of presenting bomboniere, small gifts containing confetti (sugared almonds) and printed ribbons, to both the couple and guests is a distinctive feature. The emphasis on an odd number of confetti, preferably seven, for good luck is a fascinating detail, underscoring the importance of symbolism in Italian wedding traditions.
The conclusion of the celebration, marked by the couple breaking a vase or glass and counting the shards to determine the number of years of marital happiness, adds a poignant and symbolic touch to the festivities. This ritual encapsulates the belief that the act will influence the longevity of the couple's union.
In essence, Italian weddings are a rich tapestry of tradition, superstition, and symbolism, reflecting the cultural depth and reverence for customs that have endured through the ages. The meticulous adherence to these practices underscores the profound importance Italians place on ensuring the happiness and prosperity of the newlyweds as they embark on their marital journey.
