The Undertaker keeps a wedding photograph on his desk. I typically do not venture into the house, as it would be inappropriate for me, the Gravedigger, to enter if the Undertaker was busy counseling a bereaving family. The Undertaker takes great honor in assisting the suffering , and perhaps this is why he never really smiles – because he feels pressure to remain at a constantly reserved persona. However, I will admit this to you – I have seen the Undertaker smile at work, but it is only when he looks at that wedding picture.

Weddings are a cause for celebration. They represent the joining of families, the creation of a new family and ideally an eternal bond between two people. Things around our grounds are typically quiet, but we did hear the mention of a royal wedding recently, and so we began to wonder about all of the superstitions that fall into a wedding ceremony, and while we acknowledge the multitude of wedding customs, traditions, and rites across all cultures and communities we still would like to share a few we found…peculiar.

The Proposal

At one time the prospective groom would send friends or members of his family to communicate interests to a potential bride’s family. If these representatives encountered a monk or a blind man on their route marriage between these two people was thought to be doomed.

The Wedding Dress

The color of white for a wedding dress was popularized by Queen Victoria, as her wedding dress was white as opposed to silver – which at the time was the traditional color.

The Veil

The ancient Romans believed new brides were vulnerable to evil spirits, and so they were veiled on their wedding day to outwit the malevolent.

Bridesmaids

Many and many years ago bridesmaids dressed in a similar color as the bride as they were thought to serve as decoys to confuse and protect the bride from evil spirits.

The Threshhold

We have read varying explanations on why a bride is carried over the threshold on her wedding day. Some say that it is to protect the bride from evil spirits trying to snatch her away. Others say that if the bride trips upon entering the home on her wedding day it will set forth a series of ill luck that will remain with the couple throughout their marriage.

I will tell you this, on my wedding day the Undertaker took great caution in making sure I was carried safely over that threshold.

-Gravedigger