The custom of having a wedding cake has been a part of wedding celebrations since the Roman times when a thin loaf was broken over the bride’s head during the close of the ceremony. The wheat from which it was made symbolized fertility and the crumbs were eagerly sought by guests as good luck charms.
Cutting the wedding cake is now part of the ritual celebrations at the reception. The couple make the first cut together to symbolise their shared future.
Cakes have been associated with weddings throughout history. The Romans shared a cake during the wedding ceremony itself. This was not the rich fruit-cake we enjoy today. It was a plain confection made from wheat flour, salt and water.
During the Middle Ages, wedding wheat loaves became sweet buns, and the guests were responsible for bringing some to the bride and groom as a gift.
The Fijians and Some Native American tribes still incorporate cake in the wedding ceremonies.
In Britain early cakes were flat and round and contained fruit and nuts which symbolise fertility.In the past the custom was to throw many small cakes over the bride in a similar way in which we throw confetti today. A modification of this custom was to crumble cake over the brides head and in some versions to break the cake over the Bride's head. In Scotland Oat Cakes were used for this purpose. This was done to promote fertility.
In Yorkshire a plate holding wedding cake was thrown out of the window as the bride returned to her parental home after the wedding. If the plate broke she would enjoy a happy future with her husband but if the plate remained intact her future would be grim.
Another old English custom was to place a ring in the wedding cake. The guest who found the ring in their the piece of cake would be ensured happiness for the next year.
The shape of the modern three tiered iced cake is believed to have been inspired by the spire of Saint Bride's Church in the City of London. It is said that unmarried guests who place a piece of wedding cake under their pillow before sleeping will increase there prospects of finding a partner and bridesmaids who do likewise will dream of their future husbands.
Nowadays, most people don't associate the wedding cake with having lots of children anymore, instead the wedding cake has become kind of a first meal for the bride and groom. Today's couples cut a slice before anyone else and feed it to each other, symbolizing the support they'll provide through their many years together.
The top tier of the cake is often kept by couples for their first anniversary or for christening of their first child.
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