Try GOLD - Free

Bouquets and Brides

The Island

|

April 30, 2025

Let's be honest: no wedding feels quite complete without a bride clutching a lovely bundle of blooms.

Bouquets and Brides

From elegant white roses to vibrant wildflower arrangements, the bridal bouquet is as iconic as the dress itself. But have you ever paused — perhaps between sips of champagne — and wondered where this charming tradition began? Believe it or not, the bridal bouquet has a history far richer (and stranger) than you might expect.

Before the days of Pinterest-worthy floral designs and colour-coordinated weddings, bouquets weren’t so much about beauty as they were about practicality and superstition. In ancient Egypt, brides carried bundles of aromatic herbs and spices — think garlic, dill, and cinnamon — believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. The strong smells weren't just decorative; they were thought to offer spiritual protection as the bride crossed the threshold into married life.

The Greeks and Romans followed suit, with brides holding herbs symbolising fertility, fidelity, and prosperity. In those times, a bouquet wasn’t just an accessory — it was a lucky charm, perfume, and mystical shield all in one.

MORE STORIES FROM The Island

The Island

The Island

Prof. Malalsekera outlines vision to shape ‘Tomorrow’s Surgeon’

Professor Ajith Malalsekera, on Saturday, set out an ambitious three-pillar vision to shape \"Tomorrow's Surgeon\" as he assumed office as President of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, pledging stronger emphasis on academia, integrity and accountability to meet future healthcare challenges.

time to read

2 mins

January 12, 2026

The Island

The day cricket needed a therapist

Fizz is a case study.

time to read

5 mins

January 12, 2026

The Island

More on channeling doctors

Thank you for publishing the letter by \"DR,\" in The Island of 8th January.

time to read

1 min

January 12, 2026

The Island

Counting cats, naming giants: Inside the unofficial science redefining Sri Lanka's Leopards and Tuskers

For decades, Sri Lanka's leopard numbers have been debated, estimated, and contested, often based on assumptions few outside academic circles ever questioned.

time to read

3 mins

January 12, 2026

The Island

The Island

Hayleys Chief Mohan Pandithage recognised as Businessman for Year 2025

LMD magazine has named Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC, as its Businessman for the Year 2025.

time to read

1 min

January 12, 2026

The Island

Sri Lanka sets bold target to slash cash use, seeks unified Fintech regulator

The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.

time to read

1 min

January 12, 2026

The Island

Kukus Group plans 18 outlets across three distinct Sri Lankan hospitality concepts

A new force in Sri Lanka's food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability.

time to read

1 mins

January 12, 2026

The Island

Salah settles thriller as Egypt beat holders Ivory Coast

Mohamed Salah was once again on the scoresheet as Egypt beat holders Ivory Coast in an enthralling and action-packed quarterfinal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

time to read

3 mins

January 12, 2026

The Island

The Island

From Kathmandu to Casablanca, a generation under surveillance is rising up

In 2025, youth-led protests erupted everywhere, from Morocco to Nepal, Madagascar and Europe.

time to read

4 mins

January 12, 2026

The Island

The Island

Ninewells Hospital launches ‘Ninewells Eye'

Sri Lanka's first fully integrated eye care hub

time to read

1 min

January 12, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size