Johann Hunt
Weddings are supposed to be filled with lots of love, laughter, and happily-ever-afters—but gift-giving has a way of stirring up some odd traditions. Across cultures and centuries, people have handed over presents meant to bless the couple, only to discover they’re tangled up in superstition, omens, or plain bad luck. So, before you reach for that gift, let’s unwrap the peculiar world of wedding gifts that carry more baggage than bows.
Set Of Kitchen Knives
Sharp edges might belong in the kitchen, but superstition says they have no place at a wedding gift table. In Chinese belief, knives are thought to cut relationships, while Filipino tradition warns they invite bad luck. And Japanese folklore adds that blades symbolize emotional partings.
Wall Clock
In Mandarin, a clock as a gift echoes the phrase for attending a funeral, instantly linking it with death. That’s why, in Chinese and Taiwanese culture, clocks whisper endings rather than blessings, making them gifts best left untouched at weddings.
Vanity Mirror
Across cultures, mirrors are thought to capture restless spirits or reflect harmful energy. Feng Shui teachings go further, warning that mirrors amplify whatever they face—good or bad—so a poorly placed one might double discord instead of harmony.
Embroidered Handkerchiefs
Who knew a tiny square of fabric could stir up so much gloom? Embroidered handkerchiefs, while pretty, are wrapped in heavy symbolism. In Latin American cultures, they suggest a bride destined for tears, and old European customs deepen the sorrow, tying them to mourning and farewells.
Leather Shoes
Shoes are believed to absorb the energy of the roads a person will walk, which means you’re handing over the couple’s fate with the gift. Filipino folklore adds a heavier twist, cautioning that offering shoes can lead to separation, as if one partner will eventually walk out of the marriage.
Empty Wallet
A wallet without cash hints at financial hardship, almost like wishing poverty on the couple. That’s why many traditions insist on slipping in a coin or bill first, as it symbolizes wealth that grows, not wealth that slips away.
Red Fountain Pen
Writing someone’s name in red ink has long been tied to death, often seen on gravestones or in obituaries. Because of this, gifting a red pen feels like wishing misfortune or even harm on the recipient—hardly the kind of message meant for newlyweds.
Pearl Necklace
Known across cultures as “teardrops of the moon,” pearls symbolize sorrow. Brides who wear them are said to shed tears in marriage, matching the number of pearls they own. Moreover, in many Latin and Asian traditions, pearls are avoided as bridal jewelry altogether.
Pocket Watch
Russian and Chinese beliefs tie timepieces to the countdown of life itself, which converts a simple gift into a reminder of separation, death, or fleeting love. In short, couples who receive such a present may view it as an omen of a short-lived union.
Compact Umbrella
In Chinese culture, the word for umbrella sounds like “separation.” Many also believe such a gift washes away good fortune from a marriage. To add another layer, opening an umbrella indoors is thought to draw in unwelcome spirits.
White Chrysanthemum Bouquet
In several Asian traditions, these blooms are tied to mourning, loss, and funerals, making them a chilling choice for a wedding. Even across Europe, the chrysanthemum’s role leans toward cemeteries and remembrance. Hence, handing such a bouquet to newlyweds could feel like wishing grief into their future.
Framed Couple Photograph
Framed photographs of the couple may feel heartfelt, but superstition paints them in a different light. This is because pictures are thought to trap souls or weave unwanted spiritual ties. Some even say framed portraits should appear only after vows are exchanged.
Opal Ring
Ancient beliefs linked the stone to the evil eye, which makes it a magnet for misfortune. Unless the bride or groom was born in October, tradition labels opals unlucky. Moreover, jewelers sometimes caution against gifting them for engagements or weddings, as the stone’s sparkle carries whispers of bad luck.
Stuffed Black Cat Toy
Western traditions long linked black cats with witchcraft, treating them as bringers of misfortune. In the Middle Ages, they were even thought to be witches’ companions. Because of these associations, gifting one at a wedding can feel like inviting trouble.
Cuckoo Clock
German traditions cast the cuckoo bird as a symbol of folly and unpredictability, traits that hardly bless a marriage. Constant calls can unsettle household peace, further suggesting chaotic timing. For that reason, cuckoo clocks became more of a prank than a proper gift.
Hand-Carved Wooden Cross
Hand-carved wooden crosses carry deep symbolism, yet not always the kind newlyweds hope for. In some traditions, crosses are strongly tied to funerals and mourning. Certain beliefs also suggest the gift binds spiritual energy to the household.
Even-Numbered Rose Bouquet
Florals arranged in pairs or multiples are reserved for funerals. On the other hand, weddings call for odd numbers, which celebrate life and new beginnings. This is why bringing an even-numbered bouquet to a Russian wedding is viewed as a serious misstep.
A Single Glove
British superstition says that a single glove splits people apart, which is hardly the vibe for newlyweds. To dodge the curse, the couple must hand back a coin—basically paying for their own present. Add in the whole “gloves hide secrets” symbolism, and suddenly you’re giving a lifetime of suspicion.
Perfume
Perfume in Indian culture carries its own whiff of warning when handed over at weddings. Tradition suggests that gifting fragrance can cause the sweet bond between bride and groom to evaporate, just like the scent itself. In short, perfume here risks sending the message that the marriage might not last.
Candle
Flames are tied to rituals of mourning, so handing a newlywed couple candles feels like skipping the celebration and jumping straight to the sad part. The wax melting away is also read as love fading too fast, which is definitely not the honeymoon vibe.