In Venice this fall, the custom of throwing rice at civil wedding ceremonies was banned. Why? Because rice on the ground attracts hungry pigeons-fine-feathered guests who not only show up without an invitation but drop birdy doo-doo instead of "I do's." What's worse, these flocks peck mercilessly at nearby buildings and monuments, destroying the beauty of the historic river city.

Other nuptial rumors surrounding the throwing of rice take a more humanitarian stance, suggesting that the grain is harmful to the birds. Some even think it even causes severe digestive trouble akin to carbo-loading and a pretty gruesome and messy death, as reported by Chris Rice (who seems a little obsessed with the whole rice thing).

How did the rice-hurling custom begin? Rice has been a staple in the human diet for as long as humans have documented their culinary habits. In early Eastern cultures, it was so important that it became a standard of wealth. As the main dietary staple, the success of these cultures largely depended on reliable crops of rice year after year. Thus, rice became a symbol of life and fertility. Wedding guests throw rice at the bride and groom to wish them well in their new life together.

More modern solutions to the rice dilemma include throwing confetti, which only hurts the janitor, and blowing bubbles. What do you think? Is rice passe or still a wedding staple?