Scottish Wedding Traditions
A Sixpence in the Bride's Shoe
A sixpence coin may be placed in the bride's shoe to help bring her good
luck. Similarly, in the Scottish Borders, a sprig of heather is hidden
within the Bride's bouquet.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian,
Angus & Dundee,
Scottish Borders
The Wedding Scramble
As the
bride steps into the car, it is a tradition for the father to throw a
handful of coins for the children to collect. This practice, called a
scramble, is believed to bring financial luck. This also takes place in
weddings in Ayrshire but is known there as a 'warsel'.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian,
Angus & Dundee,
Fife,
Ayrshire & Arran,
Scottish Borders,
Dumfries & Galloway
The Lang Reel
The Lang Reel is a traditional dance which happens in the fishing
communities in the North-East of Scotland. The dance sees villagers and the
wedding party begin dancing from the harbour, continuing through the
village as each couple leave the reel when they pass their home. This
continues until the only couple left are the bride and groom who have the
last dance.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian
Blackenings
'Blackenings' are a ritual still performed with great gusto - unless you
are the unlucky groom-to-be! He is captured by his friends and is stripped
to the waist before bound and 'blackened' by using substances such as
feathers, treacle, soot and flour! He is then paraded through the village
whilst his friends make as much noise as possible to make the experience as
embarrassing as possible for the unlucky groom. In some parts of Scotland,
this can happen to the bride too!
Where might I find this?
Orkney,
Aberdeen & Grampian,
Highlands,
Outer Hebrides,
Angus & Dundee,
Fife
Traditional Grand March at the Wedding
Reception
This spectacular procedure is often the
first dance to take place at a wedding. It begins with the bride and groom
marching to the sound of bagpipes or a live band. As they march, the maid
of honour (or chief bridesmaid) and best man join in, followed by both sets
of parents and finally by all willing guests!
Where might I find this?
Shetland,
Orkney (both band rather than pipes),
Aberdeen & Grampian,
Outer Hebrides
Traditional Gifts
In the
North-East of Scotland, it is traditional for the best man to give the
happy couple a clock whilst the maid of honour gives a tea set.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian
Feet Washing
The custom of
feet-washing still happens throughout Scotland and it is hoped that it will
guarantee good fortune for the marriage. The bride sits on a stool while an
older, married woman washes and dries her feet. In Fife, however, only a
few, heartened bridegrooms go through the traditional procedure, which
involves sitting in a tub of water while his legs are smeared with grease,
ash and soot.
Where might I find this?
Angus & Dundee,
Fife
Creeling
In the South of
Scotland, a married couple are 'creeled' as they leave the church. Two
people at either side of the door hold a fishing basked which is tied with
a ribbon across the door. The newlyweds then cut the ties and the basket
falls to the ground. It is hoped that this tradition will bring health and
prosperity to the couple.
Where might I find this?
Scottish Borders
The Bride's Cog
Wedding cogs are vessels from which ale is consumed at Orcadian weddings.
These cogs were undoubtedly the most essential of all the ingredients that
made up an old island wedding whilst still being a prominent feature today.
The exact mixture which now goes into the cog varies with every wedding, as each family tends to have its own views on the correct recipe. Despite the family variations, the base ingredients of this potent alcoholic mixture are usually hot ale, gin, brandy and whisky mixed with sugar and pepper.
The cog is firstly drank by the bride before being passed around the hall,
constantly being replenished so that nobody goes dry!
Where might I find this?
Orkney
A 'Second Night'
A 'second night' is normally held the night following a wedding - where
people can enjoy another night of drinking and dancing!
Where might I find this?
Shetland
