Something Borrowed Something Blue Meaning

Ever heard of the rhyme called “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe?” This rhyme is for brides that are superstitious and follow it for luck.

This phrase dates back to Victorian England in the late 1800s. It symbolizes hope and continuity for a fresh beginning after getting married. The shortened name known as “Something old, something borrowed” signifies items a bride should wear on her wedding day her and her spouse to have a successful marriage.

Some brides feel the “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” meaning is a bit dated and choose not to follow it on their wedding day. Others find it difficult to have unique items to wear on their wedding day that other brides will not have.

Below the famous rhyme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe?” is explained to provide clarity on what wear to signify a successful marriage.

Something Old

Something Old represents the couple’s non-married life and the intention to bring their own things to the marriage. Some items that represent this portion of the phrase is jewelry worn by the bride’s side of the family. This includes items from her mother, grandmother, or aunt.

Something New

Something New represents the new life the couple will start together. Most time, a gift from the groom or the groom’s family suffices. For instance, a bridal accessory or a piece of jewelry is common.

Something Borrowed

This one is more superstitious. It is about the idea of borrowing items from an already happily married woman will transfer to the new bride. Items include a harpin, jewelry, or a bracelet from the bride’s mother or grandmother. 

Something Blue

According to Brides.com, wearing the color blue on your wedding day “symbolizes fidelity and the purity of love”. In past times, wearing blue was a popular color to wear prior to the traditional white wedding. Wearing blue would “baffle the evil eye.”

Sixpence in Shoes

When this tradition started in the Victorian era, the father of the bride would place a sixpence (a British coin) into his daughter’s shoe for good luck and prosperity.

Today, many couples tie the sixpence coin to other aspects of the wedding. Instead of the bride having it in her shoe, couples will incorporate the coin into the ring bearer’s pillow. Or, the bride will purchase special cufflinks for the groom to wear with the penny in it.

Today, the “Something Borrowed Something Blue” meaning is still prevalent in weddings all around the world. Many brides will incorporate a small token of family history and a touch of blue to their shoes or accessories to bring the tradition full circle. For some creative ideas to incorporate into your wedding, check out The Modern Wedding’s various 22 ideas.