When it comes to wedding traditions, the ancient Romans were known for their unique and sometimes bizarre customs. One such tradition involved throwing objects at the newlyweds as they left the ceremony. But what exactly did the ancient Romans throw at weddings?

One common item thrown at Roman weddings was nuts. It was believed that by throwing nuts at the newlyweds, it would bring them good luck and fertility in their marriage. The noise created by the nuts hitting the ground was also thought to ward off evil spirits and protect the couple from harm.

Another popular item thrown at Roman weddings was fruit, such as dates and figs. These fruits were symbolic of prosperity and abundance, and by throwing them at the couple, it was believed to bring them wealth and a fruitful marriage.

But perhaps the most unusual item thrown at Roman weddings was barley. Barley was considered a symbol of fertility and was often used in religious ceremonies. By throwing barley at the newlyweds, it was believed to ensure that they would have many children and a long-lasting marriage.

Overall, the practice of throwing objects at weddings was a way for the ancient Romans to bestow blessings upon the newlyweds and ensure their happiness and prosperity in marriage. While these traditions may seem strange to us today, they were an integral part of Roman wedding ceremonies and were believed to bring good fortune to the couple.

So, the next time you attend a wedding, consider the ancient Roman tradition of throwing objects at the newlyweds. While you may not want to throw nuts or fruit, you can still participate in this age-old custom by tossing flower petals or rice, symbolizing good luck and blessings for the happy couple.

Sign Up