The History of Wearing White
Like the photograph here of wedding dresses, an ornate, white dress is what most people in the West associate with weddings.
This isn’t surprising since white is universally regarded as the color of purity, and weddings are all about celebrating and cementing a monogamous, loving relationship.
However, this tradition of wearing white wedding dresses in fact only started in the mid-19th century when Queen Victoria of England wore a white wedding gown when she married her consort Albert in 1840.
Beyond the Pale
In reality, in previous centuries in the West, other colors were preferred for wedding gowns.
Outside of the West, a range of colors besides white has always dominated the wedding day.
Here are some examples of other colors used for such bridal wear:
Using Blue for the Big Day
In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity.
Blue was also the border color of the bride’s dress in ancient Israel where it symbolized similar virtues.
Because Christianity generally portrayed the Virgin Mary in blue, purity was also associated with this color just as it is these days with white.
Blue remained a popular color for wedding gowns until Queen Victoria popularized wearing white. Perhaps the brides then were thinking of the proverb, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”
Opting for Red Instead
Regarded as the color of joy and luck, red is the color that brides wear in China.
Some brides also wore red in the United States during the Revolutionary War in the 18th century to symbolize the independence the Colonists desired.
In Korea, brides have two types of dresses to choose from, including a simple lime-green gown called a wonsam. It is embroidered with flowers and butterflies and worn over the hanbok, the doll-like traditional wedding dress that is made of patterned silk.
Where Green is Seen
Because it is the color of plants and Moroccans think it brings good luck, brides there wear green gowns.
The other type of dress that brides wear in Korea is the more elaborate gown called a hwarrot, or “flower robe.” Like the red wonsam, it is also worn over the hanbok (see last listing in ‘Red’ section above for more details).
The Reason Behind Bright Yellow
In Morocco, brides can choose to wear yellow instead of green. Yellow is worn to scare away the evil eye.
When Black Was the Fashion
During the 16th century, Roman Catholic brides in Spain wore black gowns and lacy mantillas to show their devotion to their spouse until death.
Purple Preference
To pay tribute to the dead, some American brides during the Civil War wore purple because it represents honor and courage.
Where Red and White Rule
In Japan, women wear two colors for the wedding ceremony: A white, silk kimono lined with red. This combination symbolizes happiness and a new beginning.
Sporting Silver and Gold
While women in Japan begin their wedding wearing a white kimono lined with red, they often wear gowns of silver or gold as the special event progresses.
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