The history of the wedding veil is particularly interesting, and, like so many other things, seems to have two sources. First, the Anglo-saxon custom, which decreed that during the marriage ceremony four tall men should hold a square piece of cloth, called a care-cloth, over the heads of the bridegroom and his bride to conceal the maiden blushes of the latter. But since it may have been difficult sometimes to find the four necessary groomsmen, and people came to realise that, after all, it was the bride only who really required the sheltering cloth, the question arose, why should she not have it to herself, and the wedding veil was a delightfully simple way out of all the difficulties. But as it now enveloped her closely it became essential that it should be of thin material, so that while effectively screening her blushes, it yet might not interfere with her vision.

For the second source some think the idea of the care-cloth itself was borrowed from the Jews, since they use a square vestment called Taleth, adorned with pendants, to place over the heads of the happy pair.

The care-cloth is also the name given to the fine linen that was laid over the newly married in the Catholic Church.

Still, whatever its origin, the present form and signification is extremely beautiful, and fits in well with the custom of throwing back the veil after the ceremony, for then the maid has become a wife, and having her husband's protecting arm, has no longer need to be shy or bashful.

In driving to church it is, perhaps, as well for the bride not to notice what she meets, for pigs are said to denote ill-luck, and if the wedding party encounter a funeral it is said they should turn back and start out again; but in any case it is considered very unfortunate, and indicative of the early death of one of the contracting parties. A dove or a lamb signifies domestic peace, and a spider, or a toad, plenty.

On arrival at the church the bride should be sure to step over the threshold with her right foot first, to ensure good luck in her marriage, and whichever of the bridal pair beholds the other first will be " master."

Superstition forbids the wedding ring to be tried on before the ceremony; if it does not fit, a new one should be bought afterwards, since to cut the circlet is to bring separation or widowhood. But this difficulty may be solved by buying a ring the same size as the engagement ring, when no alteration should be necessary. More Wedding-day Lore will be given in Every Woman's Encyclopadia