Take a Look at these Wedding Traditions around the World

Love speaks only one language but is expressed differently everywhere. While the tying of the knot resembles the same sacredness and purity, it is actually astonishing that it is practiced differently everywhere.

Let us take a quick look at some of the wedding traditions around the world. Enjoy reading!

1. Releasing Doves, Philippines:

Traditional weddings/marriages in the Philippines are regarded complete when the couple releases a pair of doves into the sky. This happens right after the newlyweds vow to love each other for eternity and kiss. The releasing of the doves marks peace, serenity and positivity.

2. Confetti Shower, Italy:

In Italy, wedding guests are showered with confetti which are not scrapes of paper but are sugary treats and toffies which makes up for a tasty and fun Italian wedding!

Lately, this ritual has been modified a little wherein the wedding guests are showered with “Coriandoli” – tiny, colourful scrapes of paper.

3. The Sake-Sharing Ceremony, Japan:

This particular ceremony during a Japanese Wedding is performed to bring in the newlyweds together and to further bond both the families. The couple shares the sake wherein each one of them takes three sip of its contents. This is followed by their family members.

4. Log Cutting Test and Polterabend, Germany:

This ritual is probably what makes German weddings so fun and sporty. The Groom in his suit and the Bride in her gown have to undergo a log-cutting test! And that too, in front of all the wedding guests! This activity tests the compatibility of the newlyweds and also brings them close gifting them and their guests with a whole lot of warm wedding memories!

In the ‘Polterabend’ ritual, family and friends break dishware right outside the houses of the Bride and the Groom. This is done on the night before the wedding.

5. Kransekake, Norway:

A Norway wedding is an incomplete wedding if you don’t have a “Kransekake”! A towering cake, in the form of a “Kransekake” (iced almond cake rings), is the show stopper in all Norway weddings. The cake is built nice and strong around a wine bottle to give the wedding guests a surprise once the entire dessert is hogged down.

6. Exchanging Geese, Korea:

The tradition of exchanging geese on the wedding day is taking commitment to a whole a new level! The Bride and the Groom exchange wooden geese or ducks to showcase their commitment and promise towards each other. In ancient Korea, the Groom had to gift his Mother-In-Law with a wild goose or duck. The idea was to offer this monogamous animal and convey his loyalty and pure intent towards her daughter.

7. The Croquembouche And Eating The Leftovers Tradition, France:

French weddings are basically known for two traditions. The first one is the Croquembouche which forms the centrepiece of the wedding hall. It is a tower made of cream-filled pastries which can be dipped in a number of sauces and consumed.

The second one is the “Eating The Leftovers Tradition”. The leftover food is gathered in a toilet-like bowl from which, the newlyweds should eat to draw in good luck! Now, that’s some kind of a memory.

8. Stealing The Groom’s Shoes and Mehendi, India:

This is one fun-filled and interesting ceremony between the Bride’s sisters and the Groom. Once the Groom enters the mandap, the Bride’s sisters hide his shoes. The Groom has to then bribe the sisters to get his shoes back.

The Mehendi (Henna) Ceremony is an interesting Indian Wedding Tradition. The Bride (and the Groom), and her female friends indulge in a session of applying beautiful Mehendi designs in their hands. Henna is considered lucky and represents the love the Groom has towards his Bride.

9. Black Wedding Cake, Jamaica:

In Jamaica, the Black Wedding Cake is the star of the show (obviously after the couple). It is laden with dry fruits and nuts with a hint of rum and is also the cake that goes around during Christmas.

10. The Spit On The Bride Tradition, Kenya:

Do not gross out already! Once the Bride and the Groom are declared ‘Man and Wife’, the Father of the Bride spits on his daughter’s forehead and chest to ward her off from all the negativity and bless her with good fortune. That’s different, isn’t it?

11. The Money Dance, Poland:

So here’s how the couples of Poland manage to go exotic for their honeymoons. In “The Money Dance”, the guests have to donate money to dance with the Bride in the reception. The Maid-Of-Honour collects this amount which is then used by the couple in their honeymoon!

12. Break The White Bell, Guatemala:

In a Guatemalan Wedding Reception, a White Bell which consists of flour and rice grains is hung in one corner. The Mother of the Groom breaks open this bell right before the newlyweds enter to wish them luck and prosperity.

13. Ransoming The Bride, Romania:

A Romanian Wedding involves this one section when the Groom has to go all heroic/romantic to rescue his Bride. In this tradition, the family or friends of the Bride hide her in some secret place. The Groom has to then find her and free her from their clutches through money, drinks or romantic gestures!

14. The Red Bridal Sedan, China:

Ever wondered why is a Chinese Wedding red? That’s because Red signifies boldness, love and pure intent in China. The Bride is escorted in a bridal sedan wherein her face is covered with a red veil. Her female family and friends hold a red umbrella above her. The red umbrella stands for fertility and the hope that she grows her family just fine.

15. One For Virgin Mary, Mexico:

Mexican Brides carry two bouquets. One is for herself and the other is a tribute to the Virgin Mary.

16. Gifting Fire From Birthplace, South Africa:

In this tradition, parents of the newlyweds carry fire from their respective homes (where the newlyweds were born) and bring it to the home of the couple. This is used to ignite the fire in their own home. The tradition is considered warm, holy and pure.

17. Unity Bowl, Australia:

Guests in an Australian Wedding Ceremony are given stones to hold during the ceremony. When the ceremonies end, the guests have to place these stones in a bowl which is then restored by the couple. It serves as a memory and a remembrance that their family and friends wish the best for them every day.

It’s wonderful and surprising how diverse the world around us is. The Art Of Living Matrimony is an Indian matrimony site that embraces these traditions and savours your interests when you look for a soul mate.

Reference: https://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseypippin/wedding-traditions-from-around-the-globe