The Purpose Of Wedding Traditions

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue." Countless generations of brides, dressing for their wedding, have honored this old saying.

The purpose of wedding traditions is to take both the old and new, and weld them seamlessly together; to make the past a living and meaningful part of our future. When the bride and groom exchange rings, they are repeating a moment which has been central to the lives of their ancestors since ancient times, but they are also aware how these rings, symbolising their married state, will transform their lives, how they will wear them in a new and exciting future.

This old tradition will always be meaningful, but how good it is to add new, more personalized traditions! A fine example was presented at the wedding of Yolanda and Kevin Wallace at Oakeside Manor, Bloomfield, on August 24, 2002.

It was obvious to the celebrant, Dr. Frank Hentschker of the Celebrant USA Foundation, that a couple who would choose "Staying Alive" as a substitute for "Here Comes the Bride" was ready for something new and different. Since Kevin is an accomplished wood-worker who had lived in Maine, Frank suggested the sawing of a log as the perfect symbol of their new partnership. Many of us had doubts about this, especially when we saw a thick and hefty log appear on the wedding scene, cradled on a rustic and beautiful wooden support which the groom had fashioned. A picturesque two-handled saw, of the sort often displayed on tavern walls, was wielded expertly by the bride and groom, and much to everyone's delight, the stout log was sawn and fell with apparent ease.

While new and charming to Americans, Dr. Hentschker assures us that the log-sawing is, in fact, an old and honored custom in Germany. But to Kevin and Yolanda, and to their friends and family, it will always be the crowning touch to their special day.

Compliments of Gaile Sarma, Celebrant USA Foundation