335 | On Shoe Throwing In this context it is worth noting what William J . Fielding wrote in his Strange Customs of Courtship and Marriage, New York 1942, p . 42 : Throwing the Shoe . – The casting of sandals, shoes and slippers at bridal couples is one of the most common of all practices . The throwing of shoes may represent the battle between the bride’s kinsmen and tribesmen, and the bridegroom’s party which is carrying her off . Westermarck here sees a defense against malignant spirits and other evil influences . [ See E . Westermarck, Marriage Customs in Morocco, London 1914, pp . 257 - 258 note 2, where it is not clear that this is his interpretation . D . S . [ The shoe has also been acknowledged from ancient times as a symbol of authority . Its evidence at weddings as an object to shower the bridal couple may well combine the symbolization of transfer of possession and authority, with the significance already mentioned . The Assyrians and Hebrews, when closing a bargain, gave a...
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