Traditions and superstitions… one step away from “I do”

“Different country, different customs,” and we Italians, it must be said, are masters of this. Countless customs and traditions—some rooted in history, others in millennia-old superstition—still shape our actions today. The sacred blends with the profane in a tapestry of behaviors, rituals, and habits that tell the story of a people as eclectic and often contradictory as we are.

Tuesday, dedicated to Mars, god of war, is considered the worst day to wed. Friday, in Christian tradition a day of penance and fasting, hardly seems fit for celebration. Instead, Monday, under the auspices of Luna, protector of brides, and Wednesday are deemed ideal for saying “I do.” Though practical considerations have made Saturday weddings the norm, superstition warns that Saturday brings bad luck, while Sunday is hailed as perfection. And according to etiquette, never marry on your birthday—unless both partners share that date.

Tradition insists the bride and groom must not see each other before the ceremony—especially the groom, who must never glimpse his bride’s dress ahead of time. The bride must wear four things: something old to honor her past, something new for the future, something borrowed for sincerity, and something blue for purity. Her gown should never be handmade by herself, and she should not look in the mirror fully dressed until she has removed a shoe, or at least a glove or an earring. Her veil—an indispensable accessory—should be a gift from someone who’s already walked down the aisle… and hasn’t regretted it. Jewelry choice matters too: aquamarine is said to guarantee fidelity, and diamonds are acceptable—so long as they’re a gift, to preserve marital affection.

His rules are strict: once he leaves home, he mustn’t return—if he forgets something, he sends a trusted friend. He mustn’t wear the wedding band before reaching the altar, buy engagement and wedding rings at the same time, or drop the rings during the exchange. If he does, only the officiant may retrieve them. The groom’s final romantic gesture—sending the bouquet—should happen the morning of the wedding at the bride’s home, though its design must be chosen by her so it perfectly complements her dress and the ceremony’s overall mood.

Did you know that two single girls should prepare the marital bed on the wedding night? Older women in the family supervise but are forbidden to touch. In Liguria, they warn “Soon a widow”—never marry in September—and pearls are banned around Genoa: “each pearl a tear.” Instead, placing a coin in one of the bride’s shoes is said to bring wealth. In Modica, Sicily, wine is sprinkled outside the newlyweds’ home; in Mazara del Vallo, they toss wheat instead of rice. On Sardinia’s coasts, a tradition called sa razia places a plate of almonds, rice, paper confetti, and coins at the bride’s door, then shatters it after the ceremony to ward off misfortune. In Campania, May weddings are taboo; there, smashing wine-filled plates and glasses is believed to ensure the bride’s unblemished purity.

With so many captivating traditions entwined with weddings, here’s a final tidbit: brides are advised against bold lipstick. Anthropologists note that during intimacy, increased blood flow naturally deepens lip color—purity being a bride’s ideal—and besides, you’ll be kissed often on your wedding day, so subtler lips help preserve your overall look.