Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. You’ve probably heard this rhyming trope that tells brides four things to wear on their wedding day. But where did the advice originate?

According to The Knot, the famous wedding guidance comes from the Old English rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe.” 

“These objects were considered necessary for brides to incorporate into their wedding dresses or carry with them on their wedding day with the belief that they would bring good and happy marriages,” the wedding website says.

And according to Reader’s Digest, the rhyme originated in the Victorian era from Lancashire, a county in England. Most of the ingredients in the rhyme are meant to ward off the evil eye, which was “a curse passed through a malicious glare that could make a bride infertile.”

When you break down the individual  parts, something old  represents continuity, according to The Knot. 

“Contemporary couples use this as a chance to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry or item of clothing belonging to an older relative,” it says. “Often the parents of the bride will gift her an heirloom before the ceremony.”

Something new, on the other hand, represents looking toward the future and the new marriage, The Knot reports. The “new” could be the bride’s dress, shoes or handbag!

Something borrowed represents good luck. Often a bride will borrow something from a happily married friend or relative to ensure a little of their good fortune rubs off on them, according to The Knot. Luckily, most people no longer practice the old-fashioned superstition of the bride borrowing the undergarments of a female friend or relative!

Lastly, the something blue represents love, purity and fidelity, The Knot says. A bride often includes the something blue on her garter or incorporates it into her jewelry. We’ve even heard of brides appointing an honored guests as their something blue, asking them to dress in the color!

Bottom Line: These traditions are based on superstition but still often used today. You can incorporate one or all four depending on you and your future husband’s beliefs. However, don’t feel pressured if you can’t find one of the pieces – it does not predict bad luck on your marriage!

To learn more about how brides are “bucking tradition,” read our blogs on throwing rice, receiving lines or bridal party dances!