Rice has long been seen as a symbol of fertility. Years ago, wedding participants would cover the newly wed couple with blessings for a productive marriage by tossing grain, nuts, or rice at them. The hope was that the couple would have plenty of children to help manage their farmlands.
Today, wedding participants shower the couple with blessings for long life and prosperity. Although traditional, rice is not typically thrown. Urban legend has it that uncooked rice harms wild birds, but this is myth only. A large amount of rice (or grain!) scattered on the ground, however, does present danger: it can make hard surfaces quite slippery. In consideration of the safety of their guests, most couples opt for modern alternatives to rice. Lavender, bubbles, rose petals, heart-shaped puffed rice, and even wedding sparklers are popular options. Sticklers for tradition will sometimes wrap rice or grain in small chiffon pouches and have these tossed: this both preserves the old and saves the hassle of clean up.
Tags: Throwing Rice, Wedding Symbols, Wedding Traditions, Weddings & Wildlife