Cutting the wedding cake is now part of the ritual celebrations at the
reception. The couple make the first cut together to symbolize 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.
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
symbolize 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.
The top tier of the cake is often kept by couples for the christening of their
first child.
