Research the meanings behind these wedding symbols, customs, & traditions: (use phones)  The color white  The rings  “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”  Throwing rice  Jump the broom  Unity candle  Bridal veil  Honeymoon  Carrying the bride across the threshold

The color white:  Pure, virginal, and innocent defines the color white  Also means happy and joyous

The Rings  Represent commitment and the faithful love two people share  The circle represents infinity or everlasting love

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”  “old” – wish for continuity  “new” – wish for a happy future life  “borrowed” – friends who the bride can count on in the future  “blue” – comes from the long tradition of brides wearing blue long before white became the tradition

Throwing rice  Symbolizes a full pantry and fertility  Not used anymore due to dangers to birds and wildlife  Most people use birdseed, confetti, flower petals or bubbles

Jump the broom  The ancestors of African Americans often did not choose to come to America, and once here, were forbidden to marry.  When a couple fell in love they jumped over a broom to symbolize their commitment to one another

Unity candle  A large candle sitting between 2 smaller ones. The bride & groom each light one and then together light the center one and blow out the others  Symbolizes leaving their past behind to venture into the future together

Bridal veil  Worn to conceal the bride’s beauty from evil spirits who might try to steal her away  Sign of humility and respect before God during a religious ceremony

Honeymoon  The word comes from an ancient practice of drinking a wine made of honey for one moon’s cycle (a month) after the wedding

Carrying the bride across the threshold  By carrying her over the threshold she cannot stumble which is a bad omen

 1. When a couple marries, they enter into at least one contract with each other. A contract is a binding agreement between two or more people.  2. Marriage is a contract overseen by the state and made official with a marriage license.  3. A custom is a common practice among many people that has been handed down from the past. Customs used in weddings can be regional, ethnic, or family traditions. Customs give a sense of continuity with past generations.

 4. Society has a stake in marriage so the government creates laws to try and make sure successful marriages take place. Marriage laws may have rules about minimum age, mental soundness, and certain diseases. Some states also make it illegal for people with close blood ties (cousins) to marry. In the United States, marriage is controlled by each state.

5. Requirements for marriage application in Mississippi:  To obtain a license both parties must apply in person at Circuit Clerk’s office  As of July 1, 2012 a blood test is no longer required  Prohibited & Restricted Marriages – cousin, common law, proxy.  Underage – If either is under 21 they need parental consent; marriage licenses cannot be issued unless the male is at least 17 and female is at least 15.  72 hour waiting period from the date of application until the license can be issued  cost is $21 in cash

 6. Each state has a time frame for getting a license. Most states require partners to get a license at least three days, but not more than 30 days, before the wedding.  7. A marriage ceremony must be performed by an authorized person and be witnessed. Once the witnesses and the person who marries the couple sign the license, the contract becomes legal and the couple is now bound by the marital laws of that state.

 8. Some couples have special concerns and make additional agreements before the wedding, this is called a prenuptial agreement. Partners can make agreements on any topic they need to. Some people believe starting a marriage by thinking about it ending shows a lack of commitment. Most prenuptial agreements deal with three main issues:  Protecting property  Establishing ownership  Defining roles

 9. Civil Ceremony – a judge, justice of the peace, or other appropriate official marries the couple; usually not as formal  10. Religious Ceremony – these ceremonies are usually held in a house of worship and a religious official such as a minister, rabbi, or priest marries the couple. The readings, music, and vows all reflect the couple’s beliefs.

Expenses  11. Traditionally the bride’s family paid the costs of the ceremony and reception. The groom’s family paid for the rehearsal dinner. Today, expenses may be split differently.