The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN MANY ENGLISH FAMILIES, THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
GIVES HER DAUGHTER A SILVER HORSESHOE (USUALLY
CARDBOARD) ON THE MORNING OF THE WEDDING. THE
BRIDE THEN PLACES IT AMONG HER FLOWERS ON A
RIBBON AND WEARS IT ALL DAY. SHE REMOVES IT
BEFORE THROWING HER BOUQUET AT THE END OF THE DAY
AND KEEPS IT FOR THE REST OF HER MARRIED LIFE.
IT IS BOTH A GOOD LUCK TOKEN AND A SYMBOL OF HER
PARENT'S BLESSING.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT, A NATIVE ENGLISH GIRL, LEARNED THIS
FROM HER MOTHER AS A YOUNG GIRL IN ENGLAND. THE
CUSTOM IS NOT LIMITED TO HER FAMILY BUT IS
TRADITIONAL IN A GREAT MANY ENGLISH WEDDINGS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ENGLAND ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-13-1963