THROWING SHOES
The custom of casting shoes after a newly-married pair is of very ancient origin, states an exchange. Among the Jews, the delivering of a shoe denotes the renunciation of any right or title in any person or possession. The family of Ruth gave a shoe to Boaz when he entered into possession of his brother’s lot.
The custom in reference to marriage descends to us from our Anglo-Saxon ancestors. The father presented the bride’s shoe to her husband, who touched her with it, on the head, in token of authority. The giving, or throwing down of a shoe is, therefore, a relic of the ancient law of exchange.
When now thrown by the parents of a newly-married daughter, it means that they resign all authority over and all right to her.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD19370910.2.103.6
Bibliographic details
Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20829, 10 September 1937, Page 12
Word Count
133THROWING SHOES Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20829, 10 September 1937, Page 12
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