Weddings are filled with heart-warming traditions that are as infused with meaning for the couple as they are for their guests. One such tradition is the throwing of rice at the newly married couple, a long-held symbol of good luck, fertility and abundance.
Although many countries differ in opinion on what is appropriate throwing material, this tradition spans the globe and is something many little girls dream of in anticipation of their wedding day. Throwing the rice is a custom from the ancient world that has long been popular in the United States. The rice is considered a “life giving” seed. It is thought that by throwing it on the couple they will be bestowed with fertility and have many children.
Everyone, even young children, can gleefully participate in the post-ceremony practice that symbolizes the showering of abundance and fertility on the bride and groom. If you don’t want to use rice, you can borrow other ideas from around the world. In France people throw wheat, a symbol of bounty, after the ceremony. Italians rain candy and sugared nuts over couples, for sweetness in marriage.