All I can say is thank goodness we have moved beyond the times when a bride was seen as property and marriage was a contractual obligation, not a sign of love. It’s maddening that this was actually a thing, once upon a time, but I’m sharing because it also gave me a chuckle. I’d be crying if I wasn’t laughing, and …
The traditional Irish saying goes:
Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind, and true.
When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know.
Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man.
Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you’ll go.
They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see.
Marry in September’s shine, your living will be rich and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember.
When December’s rain fall fast, marry and true love will last.
…and this is where we get the tradition of throwing the garter and the bouquet! The bride would try to fend off the guests by hitting them with her bouquet (which was carried by the bride to mask any undesirable odors, since bathing was not a regular habit during those times).Â
