What does it mean?

I've always been interested in the meanings behind sayings and traditions. I remember in high school learning that the saying "Rule of Thumb" was established in the 1700's as a rule that men couldn't beat their wives with anything bigger than their thumb. Interesting, huh? Makes me glad to live now and not then. lol. Lately I've been wondering about the meanings behind a lot of wedding traditions.

For instance, did you know that the veil was a symbol of the groom's dominance over the bride? Why yes it was. In fact, the groom lifting the veil over her head at the end of the ceremony established her subordination to him. But I have also read that the lifting of the veil was to ensure that the groom was getting the right woman. Ever wonder why the bride stands on the left of the groom?

"The origin of this goes back to the days when a groom would capture his bride by kidnapping her. If the groom had to fight off other men who also wanted her as their bride, he would hold his bride-to-be with his left hand allowing his right hand to be free to use his sword." (http://www.plannersguide.com/customs.htm) Sounds like something out of a harlequin novel. Actually I think I have that book! lol.

Did you know that the color you wear on your wedding day has a meaning? I found this cute little poem about it:

"Marry in white, you will do all right
Marry in blue, your man will be true
Marry in brown, you will live in town
Marry in green, you should be ashamed to be seen
Marry in red, wish yourself dead
Marry in black, better turn back
Marry in yellow, not marrying the right fellow
Marry in gray, sadness will come your way "

Have you heard of any interesting wedding folklore??