Why Do People Throw Rice At Weddings

S™ · On February 15, 2013 At 5:17 Pm.

It is thought that the idea of throwing seed or grain represented future prosperity and fertility for the newlywed couple. The custom of throwing rice at happy newlyweds is observed in several areas around the world including greece, poland, the united kingdom and the united states. Rice became the popular choice in america, with wheat in france and sugar coated nuts in italy.

Many People Also Consider Throwing Rice Wasteful And It Is Harmful To Little Birds.

Here, we dig into the old custom. The tradition of throwing rice goes back centuries. The celtic wedding tradition of throwing rice on the newlyweds is extremely old and predates christianity.

A Widely Circulated Urban Legend Says That If You Throw Rice At Your Wedding, Birds Will Eat The Uncooked Rice, And It Will Expand In Their Stomachs, Causing The Birds To Explode.

The best wedding historians have come up with about the origin of throwing rice at weddings is that the romans used to throw wheat as a symbol of prosperity and fecundity. The people of the czech republic throw peas at weddings instead of rice. But these days, many couples are choosing to toss something a little less traditional and a little more creative, like confetti, glitter, or petals.

Throwing Rice During The Recessional Isn't Just A Fes
tive Way Of Ending A Wedding—It Actually Symbolizes Showering The Bride And Groom With Abundance And Fertility.

Some people hand out gifts so guests can blow bubbles instead. Didn’t you know that rice kills birds?” The rice is considered a “life giving” seed.

And Italians Throw Sugared Almonds.

Since rice is quite slippery, people opt for sunflower seeds or bird seeds. As a blessing, guests shower the couple with rice. During the vidai ceremony the bride accompanied by her loved ones crosses the doorsteps throwing back handfuls of rice and coins over her head, into the house.