globe de mariee

I love Globe de Mariee and have collected and decorated many over the years. I like to put butterflies, raw gemstones and pressed flowers into mine.

The tradition of Globe de Mariée began in 17th Century France.  Newlyweds would mark the beginning of their married life by creating a wedding dome which displayed souvenirs of their wedding day as well as the story of of their love and married future together. Placed prominently in the formal dining room, it held the bride's crown and her bouquet. The bride & groom also chose items such as mirrors, porcelain pieces, and ormolu to be carefully placed inside, each symbolising an aspect of the couple’s story. The number of small diamond-shaped mirrors represented the number of children they hoped for. Everything sat on a cushion of velvet or silk and was often red, pink, blue or gold.

Items were collected over the years and placed in the dome; baby’s first hair clippings, photographs and small items of jewellery. Other little symbols in their design reminded them of their intentions, dreams and wishes….

Symbols of the natural world and their meaning:

a bird as a symbol of love and peace in the home;

leaves to mark the longevity of the marriage union;

orange blossom for virginity;

roses or daisies for love;

oak leaf for long life and strength;

daisy for innocence