Some wedding traditions have obvious roots.

A modern tradition at the wedding is stealing one shoe from the bride. The shoe is returned for ransom, which will help the couple enjoy a good start to their life together.

Why the shoe? For centuries, feet were symbols of fertility, happiness and love. Throwing away shoes after the wedding was thought to bring good luck. If a coin was placed inside the shoe on the wedding day, the future would be devoid of financial problems.

The auction is usually fashioned after an American auction, where guests of the the wedding can place a bid. Each bidder deposits a bid plus the difference between his or her bid and the previous bid. The goal is for the groom to win the bid in the end and return the shoe to his bride so that dancing can be resumed.

Traditionally, the earned profit serves as the first housekeeping allowance for the bride. Today the money is often used as a little extra for the honeymoon.

Take care of your shoes and have a wonderful wedding!

~ Britta