According to TheKnot.com, this wedding day tradition derives from the Old English rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe”—which names the four good-luck objects (plus a sixpence to bring prosperity) a bride should include somewhere in her wedding outfit or carry with her on her wedding day.
SOMETHING OLD: This item represents continuity, and contemporary couples use this as a chance to wear a sentimental piece of jewelry or item of clothing belonging to an older relative. Often the parents of the bride will gift her an heirloom before the ceremony.
SOMETHING NEW: This one is pretty obvious, since it can be anything you purchased for your wedding day, and represents a new beginning and bright future.
SOMETHING BORROWED: By borrowing something from a happily married friend or relative, the bride or couple ensures a little of their good fortune rubs off on them.
SOMETHING BLUE: While wearing or carrying “something blue” was also meant to deflect that pesky Evil Eye, the color blue stands for love, purity and fidelity—three key qualities for a solid marriage.