"Something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
something blue."
THE English rhyme, which dates back in 1898, is one of the most well-known wedding traditions. A bride must wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
Such tradition has also found its way among Filipinos.
While some Dabawenyos observed it, others have no idea it exists.
Dr. Karen Macasaet Oreta, a dentist by profession and a full-time housewife and mother by choice, said, "My wedding gown was new, blue 'yung garter ko, borrowed yung arrhae man yata." She is married to fellow dentist Dr. Ferdinand Ocon for 21 years.
Businesswoman Catherine Wong Ocon, for her part, said she does not believe in myths. She has been married to Joseph Ocon for 36 years on October 23.
Licensed broker Ma. Lani Adaptar Roque, meanwhile, said, "I don't believe in superstition." She and husband Edgar are going stronger for 15 years and counting.
I, too, heard about the tradition but did not really take it seriously.
However, I remember that my wedding gown was new, courtesy of my Aunt Susan Antepuesto of Isadora. She designed and made my off-white, flowing gown fit for a garden wedding. My trail was borrowed from our Ninang Lenny Gabucan, ancillary manager of SkyCable. My garter was blue and white. I think I just missed out the something old, though.
Anyway, gowns can be very pricey. But a hand-me-down gown by a mom to her daughter can be utilized by just adding some beadworks to make it glamorous.
Something new is easiest to accomplish, it can be a pair of earrings, bridal shoes or veil.
Something borrowed is also easy, a gown can be borrowed just like jewelries and other accessories.
Something blue is a challenge depending on the motif of the wedding. But a blue garter will do as it will just be worn by the bride on her mid-thigh or leg and her groom will get it during reception and throw it for the bachelors to catch.
The bride, however, has the final say to do or wear anything on her big day. The wedding, after all, is not the end of the ride but just the start of a life-long journey for the newlywed.
