The wedding tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue”has been around for hundreds of years.The tradition of carrying or wearing one of each item is said to bring luck and fortune to the newly married couple.Have you ever stopped to think what the saying really means? What is its origin and what does each item represent?

The original saying dates back to the Victoria times and states—something old, something new,something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe.

Something old

A bride may wear or carry something old to represent her continued ties to her family and her old life.Many brides wear a piece of family jewelry as their old item.Some brides wear the wedding dress worn by their mother or grandmother.In many cases, something old may also be something borrowed.

Something new

Wearing something new is supposed to represent success and hope in the bride's new life and in her marriage.If the bride purchases her wedding dress, it may represent her new item, but any item that is new may be used.Something new is usually the easiest kind to fill.

Something borrowed

The borrowed item should be something borrowed from a friend that is happily married.It is saidthat their happiness will be with you and bring lasting happiness to your marriage.Some brides borrow an item of clothing,a piece of jewelry,a handkerchief or perhaps a beaded(飾以珠子的)purse.

Something blue

Wearing something blue dates back to ancient times when a blue wedding dress was worn to represent purity, fidelity and love.

A silver sixpence

Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's left shoe is said to be a symbol of wealth.This not only refers to financial wealth, but also a wealth of happiness and joy throughout her married life.Since most brides probably don't even know what a sixpence is, this part of the tradition is not used very often in modern times.However, if a bride would like to include it in her wedding, she can purchase a silver sixpence from many companies that sell bridal supplies such as garters (襪帶) and invitations.

Reading Check

1.Why does the first paragraph end with two questions?

A.To invite readers to answer them at once.

B.To show the importance of this tradition.

C.To get readers' interest and attention.

D.To test readers' knowledge about wedding.

2.What can we learn about the five items mentioned in the text?

A.Something old might also be something borrowed actually.

B.The part of the tradition “a silver sixpence” is never used now.

C.The borrowed item can be something borrowed from any friend.

D.Something new is usually the most difficult and expensive kind to fill.

3.What can be inferred about the the tradition of Western wedding?

A.No brides now are not familiar with the silver sixpence.

B.Every item represents something good for the new couple.

C.The bride will be luckier and more beautiful with all these five items.

D.Of the five items， something blue is the most important one.

4.Which word can replace the underlined word “fidelity”?

A.Success.B.Wealth.C.Loyalty.D.Opportunity.

Language Study

Sentence for writing

It is said that their happiness will be with you and bring lasting happiness to your marriage.

【信息提取】It be said/thought/reported that...意為“據(jù)說/據(jù)認為/據(jù)報道……”。

【句式仿寫】據(jù)說西方的婚禮習俗可以追溯到維多利亞時代。