Handkerchiefs: a traditional heirloom for the bride




Many brides wear scarves on their wedding day. These may be meant to wipe away tears, but tradition is the most common reason for including this accessory. Scarves have been used since Roman times. The material and meaning have varied throughout history, but the headscarf has remained a part of wedding ceremonies from that time to the present.

History of scarves at weddings

A precursor to the bridal scarf was found in Roman times. The handkerchief was wet with perfume. This was then used to cleanse the face before the wedding. It was then worn over the shoulders or around the neck. The scent of the perfume could be smelled on the bride all day.

The tradition moved from Rome to Venice and then to France. In France, the scarf was made from expensive fabrics. They were then embroidered and considered a luxury item. Only royalty and the very wealthy had one. This tradition continued for hundreds of years. Now most brides wear a headscarf, regardless of their wealth or status.

The first farmers in the United States wore bandanas. They had a special meaning. A bride’s tears on her wedding day were considered lucky. Tears were thought to bring rain to crops. Another common belief was that a crying bride would never cry for her marriage again.

Embroidered scarves

An embroidered wedding handkerchief can be embroidered with a variety of sentiments. The message will depend on who is wearing the scarf. You can find them embroidered with a wide variety of messages for the bride, groom, maid of honor or mothers. Personalized handkerchiefs can be embroidered with the names of the bride and groom. A romantic message can be included under the names. Some phrases to use include: forever, ever, or until death do us part. A Tears of Joy scarf is a great option for mothers.

Embroidery is also made to decorate the handkerchief. Depending on the amount and type of embroidery, these can be expensive. If you’re buying a scarf that you hope will become a family heirloom, you’ll want to embroider it. You can add a line with the names and date of the original bride and groom. Your granddaughter may love it.

heirloom scarves

Sometimes the wedding handkerchief becomes a family heirloom. The daughters and granddaughters of the bride can wear beautifully embroidered scarves. Some women like to wear a traditional headscarf on their wedding day. Ask your mother and grandmother if they have one you can borrow. This would take care of two other traditions, something old and something borrowed.

Your wedding handkerchief can become an heirloom to pass down to your children. A unique idea is the Irish tradition of the magic scarf. The bride wears a beautiful and delicate handkerchief on her wedding day. Later, when a baby is born, the scarf is sewn into a baby hat. This is often used when the baby is baptized. As the baby grows, the stitches can be removed for the baby’s wedding day.

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