Why do people throw lice at weddings?

Answer 1

Uh, I think you mean rice....

Some info from a random web page:

Since early Roman times some grain - usually wheat - has been associated with the wedding ceremony.

The basis for the predominant theory as to why rice and other grains, such as wheat, have played a prominent role in marriage ceremonies for centuries, is that they are fraught with symbolism of fertility and of prosperity. By throwing rice at the bride and groom at a wedding, guests symbolically wish them a lifetime full of these blessings.

Historically, in certain primitive tribal cultures, the mere act of supping on rice together bound a couple in matrimony, as eating this local food together implied their living together. In other cultures, the symbolic eating of rice together preceded a shower of rice over the married couple.

Perhaps the most curious use of rice in the wedding ceremony, was its use in some cultures not to unite the happy couple, but to feed the uninvited evil spirits who always attended the ceremony. The rationale behind this practice was to ward off evil, as well-fed evil spirits would bring no harm to the blissful couple.

In early Roman times, wheat was the grain of choice for the wedding ceremony, as wheat, not rice, symbolized fertility. The virginal bride carried a sheaf of wheat in her hand throughout the ceremony, or wore a garland of wheat in her hair. Instead of the bride tossing a bouquet, as is traditionally done today, wedding guests tossed grains of wheat at her, and young, single girls clambered for the grains that bounced off of the young bride, believing that these grains could ensure them a trip down the bridal path soon thereafter.

The wheat tossing custom fell by the wayside under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, when the once airborne wheat instead was baked into small cakes, which the guests then crumbled and tossed over the bride's head. Even this tradition gave way to another, in which a large wheat cake was baked, then eaten, not tossed. Wedding guests, literally left empty-handed, had no recourse but to find a suitable substitute for the costly wheat cakes. They needed something to toss at the bride to reinstate themselves as active participants in the ceremony. The natural choice was none other than cheap, clean, white rice, and the tradition then born has stuck to this day.

Answer 2

I've never heard of throwing lice at weddings, but there is an obscure but particularly amusing tale of lice at a funeral I read about in a book about Fosco Maraini's travels in Japan after WWII. There was an old, rather unkempt (to put it kindly) Japanese couple who were landlords to some friends of Maraini's, and the old man had just died. They held his funeral outside with a moderate gathering. As they watched, all the lice on the dead old man's body jumped off him and marched in a line down from the slab on which he was laid out for the funeral. So I'd say that lice are particularly capable of throwing themselves, and they don't need people to throw them...

Answer 3

Never known or heard of anyone throwing lice at a wedding or anywhere else for that matter. Did you mean rice? I think rice has something to do with fertility not sure though

Answer 4

ROTFL

They USED to throw RICE...kinda looks like lice and rhymes with lice but it's not the same thing.

Rice was thrown as a sign of wishing the newlyweds fertility and good luck. It's not permitted now because when birds eat rice, it swells their bellies and kills them.

Answer 5

Because birds were eating the rice and dying of bloated stomachs. Throwing lice is much better for the environment, if not the married couple.

Answer 6

LOL!!! I wouldn't attend that wedding!!!
I'll get you your answer.

EDIT:
As for throwing rice, The Encyclopædia Britannica, 1959 edition, Volume 4, page 122, states: “The throwing of rice, a very ancient custom but later than the wheat, is symbolical of the wish that the bridal may be fruitful.” Since this is of pagan origin and, in effect, an invoking of magic, a performing of a rite in the hope of beneficial results, it should be avoided by Christians.

Answer 7

And why do you throw rice at the bride and groom? The custom originated with the ancient Assyrians, Hebrews, and Egyptians as a symbol of fertility and good wishes for a bountiful life. Although nowadays, you’re more likely to throw confetti, flower petals or the ever-popular bubbles. That tradition began due to the fact that rice is bad for birds to eat.




http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-we-throw-rice-at-weddings-other-nuptial-origins-revealed.html

Answer 8

There are people who throw lice at weddings?! Tell me who they are so I know to avoid weddings they're attending!

Answer 9

As an improved alternative to rice, the lice keeps jumping happily around the new groom and bride.

Answer 10

It's only for certain Asian weddings where they throw "Flied Lice"