Here Are The True Reasons People Toss Rice At Weddings

Search for pictures of tossing rice at weddings and you'll be greeted by the most beautiful pictures of couples smiling under a shower of rice thrown by surrounding guests.

But did you know that the scenic tradition doesn't only make good pictures, it actually holds great meaning to every person involved.

Why Do People Toss Rice At Weddings?

The tradition which has guests tossing rice at the couple as they exit the ceremony is a symbolic wish that the celebrants enjoy a life of prosperity and fruitfulness, which to the ancients meant a large brood.

What Is The History and Meaning Of The Rice Toss?

Tossing grains of any kind at newlyweds is an ancient practice that predates Christianity. It can be traced back to a few cultures including the Celts, Romans, Italians, Polish, and even Moroccans.

The Celts were mighty warriors who were known for their agronomist culture. In early practice, they would toss rice, millet, and other grains to appease spirits and ask for blessing and fertility for the couple.

However, Ancient Romans used wheat while Italians tossed candies or sugared nuts. The Polish use rice but also place coins at the couple's feet to ensure prosperity. In Morocco, it's dried dates or figs and Eastern India's tradition is a rain of flower petals.

When Does The Rice Toss Take Place?  

There are two times on the wedding day that a throw or toss might happen: recessing from the ceremony down the aisle by the couple or the grand exit as they leave the reception. At modern weddings, the rice throw is commonly performed immediately after the ceremony and not generally used for the grand exit after the reception.

Is It True That Raw Rice Kill Birds? 

In 1985, a bill was introduced by a state legislator in Connecticut to ban the throwing of rice at weddings. The bill, which was supposedly based on unfounded scientific sayings that raw rice can kill birds, quickly turned people against throwing rice.

To date, the misconception persists despite the fact that expert testing performed on birds have shown that eating raw rice does not kill them.

In other words, the rice toss is perfectly safe to practice. Just ensure that you assign someone to clean up to prevent accidents at the venue afterward.

How To Do The Rice Toss

To do the rice toss, simply have ushers at the entrance of the hall hand out small packets of rice to guests as they arrive. Alternatively, the small packets can be attached to the wedding program or even looped with ribbon and tied to each guest's chair.

Another important step is to ensure that the guests know when the toss is to happen to avoid confusion. You can include this information in the ceremony program or make it an announcement by the officiant just before the wedding begins.

Also, subtly inform the guest that the proper way to do this is by gently releasing the rice to shower on the couple.

Good luck!