Weddings are celebrations steeped in tradition. While customs may evolve or fall out of favour over time, reflecting on wedding traditions of old can be a great way to get in touch with your heritage.
Many traditional Welsh wedding customs have disappeared over the years, but there are still plenty of ways to keep historic wedding and courting customs alive in modern Wales!
1. Myrtle Bouquets
Traditionally, Welsh brides would carry myrtle leaves in their bouquets. Myrtle plants have been used to represent love since ancient Greek times as they are associated with the Goddess Aphrodite/Venus. They were used in wedding bouquets to symbolise love, fertility and beauty.
The bride would also give her bridesmaids cuttings of the plant from the bouquet to nurture – if it grew and bloomed, this would supposedly signify that the bridesmaid would go on to marry.
The practice of using myrtle in wedding bouquets can be seen in modern times. Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, had them in her bouquet, following a royal tradition set by Queen Victoria.
2. Flower Girls
Even today, flower girls are a common part of the wedding procession. In traditional Welsh weddings, the wedding party would walk to the church together, and a flower girl would sprinkle petals along the way.
This flowery path following the bride and groom symbolises their future happy journey in life.
3. Birdsong
Welsh brides would have eagerly listened out for birdsong on the morning of their wedding day as it was believed that being awoken by birdsong on the special day signified good luck. Some also believed it was a sign of heaven’s blessing upon the union.
4. ‘Kidnapping’ the Bride
If you’re not familiar with the tradition, this one might seem a little strange! Traditionally, the bride’s family would ‘kidnap’ the bride on her wedding day just before the ceremony was set to take place.
The groom and his family would then have to find and ‘rescue’ the bride. It’s thought that whoever was the first to rescue her would be married within the year.
5. Romantic Divination
Rhamanta is the ancient Welsh tradition of seeking insight into your romantic future, so it’s no surprise it crops up around weddings and courtship. The way this future was predicted seems to vary.
One particular divination method involved a couple placing a shovel holding two grains of wheat over a fire. As the grains were heated, they would swell and pop off the shovel like popcorn. If the grains jumped off the shovel together, the couple could expect a successful marriage as they ‘jump’ into matrimony. If the grains jumped separately, the couple would lead separate lives.
Traditional Welsh Courting Customs
There are also several well-known traditions for couples before marriage when courting.
Welsh Love Spoons
Welsh love spoons are now one of the most iconic symbols of Wales. The first documented spoon of this kind dates back to the 17th century, but they’re generally thought to predate this.
Love spoons are intricately carved wooden spoons, usually carved from a singular piece of wood and given as a romantic gift to indicate a man’s amorous intentions to a woman.
While this practice was not unique to Wales, the Welsh spoons tend to be thought of as the most impressive in artistry and variety. Various symbols and motifs would have been carved into the spoon to represent the hopes for the couple’s future and the feelings of the carver.
Common motifs include hearts, diamonds, wheels, chains, balls in cages, horseshoes and flowers. The designs all represent different things, such as love, affection, loyalty, prosperity and the number of desired children.
If the woman accepted her suitor’s feelings, the spoon would be proudly displayed on the wall after marriage.
St Dwynwen’s Day
Every year on the 25th of January, Wales celebrates St Dwynwen’s Day. St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, so her honorary day is much like what Valentine’s Day has become, and it is considered the most romantic day in Wales.
Celebrating the day is becoming more popular among Welsh speakers, with some people exchanging cards and gifts to honour their loved ones.
Romantic Getaways in West Wales
With holiday cottages in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, we’re proud to offer an array of enchanting getaways across West Wales, ensuring you can relax in luxury with your loved ones.
Whether you want to celebrate a special anniversary or embark on a spontaneous romantic adventure, you’re sure to find your perfect escape!
Featured Properties
Discover some of our beautiful romantic holiday cottages.
