The cake presented at a Scottish wedding has a history rich in tradition dating back to medieval times. Fertility and good fortune are symbolized in the practices associated with the cake and misfortune was said to befall the couple who did not carry out the customs correctly.
Originally the wedding cake was baked at the time the couple became engaged to be married and comprised of two tiers of fruit cake which was laced with Brandy. The further addition of an iced covering dates to the middle ages and is thought to have surrounded the tale of a baker who when delivering cakes found that by the time he delivered them the cakes had fallen apart on the journey and so began covering cakes in a thick syrup to keep the cake held together.
The bottom layer was presented to the wedding party and the top tier was kept to celebrate the first wedding anniversary of the couple or alternatively the christening of their first child. Hence the reference to fertility.
Fertility is also symbolized in that the couple are encouraged to kiss over the cake without knocking the tiers over, completing this successfully would lead to a successful consummation that night and a lifetime of good fortune, failure to complete the custom was seen as very unlucky.
Modern day couples are assisted in completing the task successfully by the addition of plastic figurines being place on top of the cake to prevent any accidents.
When the time arrives for the cake to be cut, it is important for the lead piper to assist the bride in presenting her with his dirk, which is a small symbolic dagger. Only with this dirk can she cut the first slice of cake and most importantly her hand is guided by her husband as a show of union between the two.
Without the guiding hand of her husband their union was seen to be weak and doomed to failure!
Wedding Cake Decorating Tips ~ Wedding Cake Servers ~ Wedding Cake Stands ~ Wedding Cake Toppers
Cake Serving Sets are essential tools for sharing that first piece of cake. These timeless designs become keepsakes that you can use later on special birthdays and anniversaries.
