June 2, 2010

{A Rich Life}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
In the old-world custom of a woman’s dowry (the wealth she brought to the marriage from her family) lies the tradition of the bridal sixpence coin. Silver or gold coins would have been included in the bride’s dowry along with livestock, land, and household goods. Therefore, putting a coin into the bride’s shoe—originally done by her father in most areas of the world—symbolized transferring a share of her family's wealth to the groom to ensure a prosperous life for his new family.

Of course brides in modern Western culture have a very different outlook and bring independent ownership into a marriage. But in the sense of “inner wealth,” what symbolizes a “rich” life to you? What do you bring to your relationship that offers an abundant spirit? Is part of your “dowry” a generous helping of lightheartedness? Does your “wealth of independence” include an open heart ready to love and forgive, forgive and love, then do it all over again?

Love. Listen. Let go.
...with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Kristin Spencer]

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