Origin of Casting a Shoe after a Bride

As seen from paintings on the walls of Thebes, shoemaking formed a distinct trade in the reign of Thothmes III. (about 1600 B.C.). Reference is made in Scripture to different symbolical usages in connection with sandals or shoes.

The delivery of a shoe was used as a testimony in transferring a possession. A man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was a testimony in Israel.

The throwing of a shoe on property was a symbol of new ownership, as, "Over Edom will I cast out my shoe" (Ps. 1x. 8).

From these ancient practices came the old customs in England and Scotland of throwing an old shoe after a bride on her departure for a new home, symbolizing that the parents gave up all right or dominion over their daughter.

In Anglo-Saxon times the father delivered the bride's shoe to the bridegroom, who touched her on the head with it, to show his authority.

In Turkey the bridegroom after marriage is chased by the wedding-guests, and pelted with slippers by way of adieu.

"Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear," means not worthy to be his lowest slave; as it was the business of the slave most recently purchased, to loose and carry his master's sandals.

Among the ancient Northmen, when a man adopted a son, the person adopted put on the shoes of the adopter.

St. Crispin and Crispinian are regarded as the patron saints of shoemakers, as they supported themselves at this trade while preaching the gospel through Gaul and Britain.

Shoemaking is called the gentle craft, and is noted for the number of men who have risen from it to eminence.