The Surprising Truths Behind Common Wedding Superstitions

Superstition #5: The groom must carry his new wife across the threshold of their new home to prevent bad luck.

      Photo Credit: Tanya Lippert Photography

Origin: This tradition has a few origins. In Medieval Europe, it was scandalous for a woman to show enthusiasm about losing her virginity. By the groom carrying the bride over the threshold, she avoided looking too eager about consummating the marriage. Western Europeans, on the other hand, believed that a bride who tripped over the threshold of her new home would bring bad luck to her home and her marriage. Therefore, the groom carrying the bride into the home was a good way to avoid such a mishap altogether. In ancient cultures, the threshold of the home was considered to be a hotbed of lurking, unattached evil spirits, and since a new bride was particularly vulnerable to spirit intrusion, especially through the soles of her feet, the groom ensured that his wife would not bring any bad spirits into the house by carrying her inside. 

Today: The groom carries his bride across the threshold today not because of a fear of spirits, but as a romantic way to welcome her into his life. However, if you consider that each partner is as equal and valuable as the other, why not step over the threshold together?

More Superstitions:

► Why it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony
► Why brides carry something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
► Why brides and grooms toss the bouquet and garter
► Why couples save the top tier of the wedding cake