Rice thrown after a Bride

It was an Indian custom, rice being, with the Hindûs, an emblem of fecundity. The bridegroom throws three handfuls over the bride, and the bride does the same over the bridegroom. With us the rice is thrown by neighbours and friends. (See Marriage Knot.)

· ·

Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.