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A Serbian Wedding Tradition Wards off Evil – And Vampires, Probably

Published Wednesday, May. 1st, 2024

Last updated Wednesday, Jul. 15th, 2026

Gloves of garlic placed on a white table next to a silver cross necklace
Photo: laymul / iStock

Wedding bells, bouquets, and brassieres full of garlic 


Garlic has been used medicinally for centuries as a natural anti-bacterial, and it’s even known for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

 

It’s been known to fend off the unwanted advances of a bad date and even the undead… 

 

But did you know garlic is also used to ward off bad luck, evil spirits, and negative energy at the wedding ceremony? It’s true!

 

An old Serbian wedding tradition encourages the bride to stash a clove or two of garlic in her brassiere to keep bad luck at bay. 

 

The bride carries garlic in her bra all day long – while preparing for the ceremony, during her walk down the aisle, and even during the wedding reception! (Serbia.com)

 

If that’s all it takes to keep the wedding ceremony on track, we’re on board! 

 

So if you’re planning a wedding ceremony, remember: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and a pinch of garlic for good luck. 

 

Just be sure to keep a scented lotion or perfume nearby so that your spouse can snuggle up close for that First Kiss photo…

 

 

A bride in a white wedding dress holds her nose with her fingers as if something smells bad. She's holding a bouquet away from her and looks displeased.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and a pinch of garlic for good luck. Just don't use too much!

 


 

Interested in Wedding Traditions From Around the World? 

 

Want to learn more about wedding traditions from around the world, or create unique rituals and traditions of your own? Browse AMM's Ultimate Guide to Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas: All-In-One Resource for inspiration! 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas: All-In-One Resource
Couple and their family during unity candle ceremony with mothers and elders

(Photo: Kobus Louw / iStock)

 

 

 


 

You might also like: 

 

 

 

Wedding crowns are placed on the bride and grooms head during an Eastern Orthodox wedding marriage ceremony

Eastern Orthodox weddings are ornate religious ceremonies filled with symbolism, ritual, color, and candlelight. Read the full article here. 

 

 


 


Jessica Levey
Jessica Levey

Content Manager; Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica Levey is a writer, illustrator, and content manager at American Marriage Ministries, where she writes about marriage law and wedding industry trends. She holds a degree in Strategic Communications and has a background in trade journalism, with experience in data-informed, people-first reporting, SEO / AEO. She was ordained with AMM in 2020 and is an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality. In her personal time, Jessica writes, illustrates, and makes comics and zines independently at hellojesslevey.com.

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