In Italy, like in many other locations https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/feb/27/ill-always-be-a-bad-feminist-roxane-gay-on-love-success-and-upsetting-piers-morgan, a couple may decide to use beliefs that represent their lineage or basically add to the charm of their ceremony morning. From the throwing of rice to the wedding serenading his wife the night before, italian marriage traditions are a way for couples to make their ceremony even more memorable.
In many cultures the couple gives their guests a wedding favor to thank them for their presence. These are known as bomboniere in Italy and typically consist of a present, printed ribbons, and sugared almonds ( confetti in Italian ). The number of almonds in the wedding favour- five or seven- is important as it symbolizes fertility, long life, health, riches and happiness.
Before the ceremony the bride has her hair done in an elegant updo and has a special headpiece called a toc ferro. This custom dates back to antiquity and is intended to ward off bad luck, such as the possibility that her bride will change her mind.
Because it was once believed that a vein ran from the left finger to the heart, symbolizing love, the groom puts his wedding ring on the left hand. The couple’s commitment to one another led to the wearing of the ring, which also served as a sign of faith.
As the ceremony draws to a close, guests greeted the newlyweds by distributing rice ( symbolizing fertility ) over them italian women hot. Wheat is used in some regions in place of other types of confetti, but more and more municipalities are now urging residents to use alternative confetti that does n’t harm the environment.
