A wedding day is often regarded as the most joyous and memorable day in one's life. What makes this concept so intriguing is that every wedding is unique. Depending on the region you're in, you might have to adhere to some peculiar wedding traditions, such as these customs that people follow around the world.
China – Wedding Door Games
In addition to the tea ceremony, another fascinating Chinese wedding tradition is the wedding door games. It involves a series of tests and challenges that the bridesmaids design to assess the groom's worthiness on the morning of the wedding day. The primary aim of these games is to determine the groom's suitability for the bride. To make things more entertaining, the bridesmaids sometimes put the groomsmen to the test. Afterward, the groom must reward the bridesmaids with envelopes filled with money.
French Polynesia – The Human Rug
The Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia host one of the most fascinating wedding traditions in the world. At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom walk over their family members. It's true! The bride and groom literally walk over their relatives, who lay down side-by-side with their faces to the ground, creating a human rug. This walk is often one of the most unforgettable moments of the ceremony.
Philippines – Releasing Doves
No need to worry, as they don't shoot each other! The groom collects the arrows and breaks them, symbolizing unity and ensuring everlasting love. The bow and arrow tradition is a must-have at any wedding in China.Philippines, they are part of an endearing wedding tradition where the newlyweds must release a pair of white doves after the ceremony. To guarantee a harmonious and peaceful life, they release a male and a female dove into the air. The wedding guests applaud as the doves fly away to their newfound freedom, following this tradition.
Germany – Sawing the Log
In Germany, couples must divide a log together after their wedding. Although it seems like an easy job, they are often given a large log that is difficult to cut through. The idea is to encourage the couple to work together. Following the wedding ceremony, the best man presents the newlyweds with a large saw, and everyone cheers as they work together. This action symbolizes that the couple is prepared to face challenges together.
China – Bow and Arrow
Chinese weddings showcase some of the world's most fascinating ceremonies and traditions. One such tradition is the bow and arrow act, where the groom must shoot his bride with a headless arrow. No need to worry, as they don't shoot each other! The groom collects the arrows and breaks them, symbolizing unity and ensuring everlasting love. The bow and arrow tradition is a must-have at any wedding in China.
Congo – No Smiling Allowed
Most people describe their wedding day as the happiest day of their lives, filled with laughter and warm smiles. However, in Congo, couples follow a very unusual tradition. In Congo, couples must avoid smiling throughout their entire wedding day. If they smile even once, it is considered a sign that they are not serious about the marriage. It's hard to imagine not being able to smile on the most joyful day of your life!
South Korea – The Falaka Ceremony
Undoubtedly, one of the most peculiar wedding customs in South Korea is the Falaka ceremony. During this ritual, the groom assumes a supine position and willingly submits to his friends and family members who proceed to strike the soles of his feet. Adding to the eccentricity of the tradition, the groom's feet are struck with a stick or even a dried fish. Amidst the strikes, the groom's friends and family often pose trivia questions, believed to enhance his memory according to the customary belief.
India – Joota Chupai
Without a doubt, this wedding tradition is truly enjoyable and intriguing! Known as "Joota Chupai," this ritual involves the bride's sisters and female cousins playfully stealing the groom's shoes and subsequently demanding a ransom for their safe return. Nevertheless, the groom is typically well aware of this playful game and endeavors to conceal his shoes before the mischief-makers strike. This lighthearted ritual sets the tone for a joyous celebration, fostering laughter and ensuring everyone's enjoyment from the very beginning.
Norway – Unique Wedding Cake
In contrast to the uniformity often seen in modern wedding cakes, Norway has its own unique tradition. On the wedding day, Norwegians prepare a special traditional cake that deviates significantly from the cakes we are accustomed to. In Norway, they have a remarkable confection known as kransekake, a towering cake resembling a stack of pancakes. However, this cake is composed of iced almond cake rings and takes the shape of a cone. Interestingly, according to tradition, a wine bottle is typically placed within the hollow center of the cake.
Spain – Selling Ties
In Spain, a truly distinct wedding custom exists where the groom's friends engage in an unusual practice of cutting up their own ties with scissors and selling the fragments to the wedding guests. This unconventional act serves the purpose of raising additional funds for the couple's benefit. On occasions, even the bride's side participates in the same practice to assist in covering the wedding expenses. However, this tradition extends beyond monetary support and carries a deeper meaning. It symbolizes the unwavering presence of true friends who will always be there for the newlyweds, demonstrating their solidarity and commitment.
Ireland – Dancing Tradition
In Ireland, the love for dancing is cherished and celebrated, especially during weddings. However, amidst the fervor, there exists a particular dance-related wedding tradition that stipulates the bride must keep at least one foot grounded on the floor throughout the dancing festivities. Legend has it that if an Irish bride lifts both feet off the floor simultaneously while dancing, it is believed that mischievous spirits may manifest and whisk her away. This intriguing belief certainly adds a unique twist to the joy of dancing, but Irish brides are well aware of this challenge and ready to embrace it with preparedness and grace.
Fiji – The Whale’s Tooth
Among the numerous wedding traditions in Fiji, there is a customary practice where a man is required to seek the approval of the woman's father before proposing marriage. However, this request is not simply a casual visit accompanied by a straightforward statement such as, "Hey, sir, I'd like to marry your daughter!" In this unique Fijian wedding tradition, the groom presents his future father-in-law with an actual whale's tooth as a symbol of respect and intention to marry his daughter. While it would indeed be fascinating if the groom had to acquire the whale's tooth personally, it is likely that there are numerous stores in Fiji where these items are readily available for purchase.
China – Lots of Tears
Just when you thought wedding traditions couldn't become any more peculiar, there's a Chinese custom that pushes the boundaries even further. In certain regions of China, it is customary for the bride to embark on wedding preparations a month in advance. Nevertheless, in this Chinese tradition, the bride's preparation involves a rather unique practice of dedicating one hour each day to crying. As the tradition progresses, ten days into this period, the mother joins the crying session, and ten days after that, the grandmother follows suit. Eventually, the entire female side of the family finds themselves in tears alongside the bride.
Scotland – Secret Marriage Village
Centuries ago, England imposed a ban on marriages involving individuals under the age of 21. This restrictive policy resulted in numerous young people being unable to marry unless they reached the prescribed age, leading to widespread discontentment and frustration. However, in close proximity to England, there existed a Scottish village called Gretna Green where such age restrictions did not apply. Consequently, countless young couples eloped to Gretna Green to solemnize their unions. Remarkably, to this day, Gretna Green remains a cherished destination and a longstanding tradition for couples who seek to elope and exchange their vows in this historic village.
Niger – The Camel Dance
While the chicken dance is well-known, have you ever heard of the camel dance? In the West African country of Niger, there exists a captivating wedding tradition where the newlyweds partake in a unique camel dance amidst the enchanting desert landscape. Believe it or not, this tradition is no joke. The camel dance in Niger is a genuine spectacle, featuring a real camel in the authentic desert setting. All the wedding guests have the opportunity to witness this remarkable performance. Once the camel completes its rhythmic dance, the wedding festivities can resume in full swing.
Italy – The Surprise Party
While not universally practiced in Italy, there exists a delightful tradition where the groom arranges a surprise party beneath the bride's window. Accompanied by musicians, he serenades his beloved with the enchanting melodies of the traditional "la serenata." This heartfelt gesture adds an element of romance and surprise to the celebration. But that's not where the festivities conclude. Following the serenade, the celebration continues with a grand party featuring a lavish buffet, lively music, and the joyful presence of friends and family. The Italians truly understand how to create a vibrant and memorable atmosphere for everyone to revel in.
Sweden – Sharing Kisses
If jealousy tends to gnaw at you, we advise against getting married in Sweden, and here's why! In this country, a unique tradition prevails where, whenever the bride temporarily leaves the table, all the women attending the wedding possess the right to bestow a kiss upon the groom. Similarly, when the groom momentarily departs the room, the men in attendance are permitted to steal a kiss from the bride. The intention behind this custom is to mitigate any potential jealousy between the couple and preemptively address and alleviate such concerns before they arise in the course of their marriage.
Canada – The Sibling’s Dance
In Canada, there is a unique tradition where the older siblings of the couple are tasked with a special dance during the wedding festivities. This dance involves wearing mismatched and vividly colored socks. However, it's important to note that only the unmarried siblings have the honor of executing this lively performance. As the older siblings dance, an intriguing custom unfolds in Canada. Wedding guests are encouraged to shower them with money, and the more energetic and exuberant the dance, the greater the monetary contributions. Subsequently, the collected money is gathered and presented to the newlyweds as a distinctive and meaningful part of their wedding gift.
Germany – Polterabend
In Germany, couples partake in a post-ceremonial activity known as Polterabend. According to this tradition, the newlyweds are required to clean up the shattered porcelain dishes that their guests intentionally break during the ceremony. In the German tradition of Polterabend, the act of breaking the dishes serves as a symbolic gesture to ward off evil spirits. However, it is the subsequent task of cleaning up the mess that holds a deeper meaning. By working together to tidy up the shattered porcelain, the couple learns an important lesson about the power of collaboration and teamwork in overcoming challenges. This tradition emphasizes the notion that as long as the partners face difficulties together, they can navigate through them more effectively.
Russia – Wedding Photos
A unique wedding tradition in Moscow, Russia involves couples paying a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and capturing photographs as a gesture of reverence. This special act of respect holds significance for weddings taking place in the capital city. Following the photography session, the couple proceeds to lay down flowers at the tomb situated near the Kremlin. While not all couples incorporate this tradition into their wedding ceremony, it remains a popular and meaningful ritual observed at weddings in Moscow.
Peru – Special Wedding Cake
In Peru, wedding celebrations often feature an enjoyable cake tradition that involves a friendly competition among the bridesmaids. The Peruvian wedding cake is adorned with ribbons, each attached to a charm or trinket. Among the various charms attached to the ribbons, one of them happens to be a faux wedding ring. In a delightful Peruvian wedding tradition called the "cake pull," the bridesmaids and single women eagerly partake in a playful game. Each participant selects a ribbon and pulls it, hoping to retrieve the charm tied to it. According to the tradition, the woman who discovers the fake wedding ring is believed to be the next in line to be married, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the event.
Cuba – Pinning Money
There is a captivating reason why Cuban weddings have an allure, and this tradition might just be it! In Cuba, there exists a wedding custom whereby every man who dances with the bride on her special day is expected to pin money onto her dress. The underlying objective of this tradition is to provide financial support to the newlyweds, aiding them in covering their wedding expenses and contributing to their honeymoon fund. Should you ever have the opportunity to attend a Cuban wedding, it is advisable to come prepared with extra cash to participate in this cherished tradition.
Japan – The White Gown
In Japan, among the numerous wedding customs, one particular tradition stands out—the bride's attire during her Shinto wedding ceremony. In a stunning display, the bride is adorned in pure white from head to toe. While white is a customary color for wedding dresses in many cultures, the Japanese have elevated this tradition to a remarkable level. In traditional Japanese weddings, the bride is required to wear an elegant all-white kimono. Additionally, she is expected to apply white makeup and don a white hood known as tsunokakushi. This hood serves a symbolic purpose, concealing the so-called "horns of jealousy" that the bride may feel towards her new mother-in-law.
Armenia – Evil Spirits
During Armenian wedding ceremonies, great emphasis is placed on warding off malevolent spirits. Among their customs aimed at protecting the newlyweds, one involves a unique tradition of placing lavash flatbread on the shoulders of the couple. This ritual is specifically designed to deter any lurking evil spirits from approaching the bride and groom. During Armenian wedding receptions, typically held at the groom's residence, there is a customary practice that signifies good fortune. Firstly, the couple participates in the act of breaking a plate as a symbol of luck. Following this, the groom's mother presents them with lavash and honey, which they delicately balance on their shoulders to commence the wedding ceremony.
Venezuela – Sneaking Away
In Venezuela, there exists a unique tradition where the bride and groom attempt to secretly escape from their own wedding celebration before its conclusion. Their objective is to depart the festivities undetected, but there's an intriguing twist to this endeavor. In Venezuela, it is widely known that the bride and groom have intentions of making an early getaway from their wedding celebration. However, instead of discouraging this act, it is considered a stroke of luck for anyone who is observant enough to spot their absence or even catch them in the act. This adds an exciting and captivating element to the already memorable day.
Romania – Abducting the Bride
In Romania, there is a unique wedding tradition that involves a somewhat "unlawful" act, where the guests playfully abduct the bride and demand a ransom from the groom. Although this is all done in good fun, the participants often approach it with a serious and committed demeanor. Following the abduction of the bride, the guests discreetly transport her to a clandestine location and keep her hidden until the groom arrives with the requested ransom. Interestingly, the demands made in exchange for the bride's release typically revolve around non-monetary items such as drinks or a performance by the groom, often requiring him to showcase his vocal talents by singing a song.
Indonesia – Staying at Home
In Indonesia, the practice of spending substantial time together is closely associated with the journey of marriage. However, couples in Borneo, Indonesia, take this custom to an elevated level. A notable wedding tradition in this region entails the couple being confined to their home for a duration of three days. In addition to emphasizing spending quality time together, this particular tradition holds a unique aspect in Borneo, Indonesia. The primary objective is to challenge the newlyweds by restricting them from using the bathroom throughout the entirety of this period. It is believed that this practice not only strengthens the bond between the couple but also fosters personal resilience and endurance.
Wales – Lovespoons
This ancient Welsh tradition traces its roots back to a time when men would intricately carve wooden spoons as a heartfelt gesture of love for their beloved ladies. Remarkably, this custom has endured through the ages, and to this day, grooms continue the tradition by skillfully carving lovespoons as meaningful gifts for their future wives. Fascinatingly, it is quite common for grooms to incorporate symbolic elements such as keys and beads when carving wooden lovespoons. The keys serve as a representation of the groom's heart, symbolizing the depth of his love for his partner. In a similar vein, the beads engraved onto the spoons hold significance, indicating the number of children the groom envisions having with his future wife.
Russia – Proving His Worth
In Russia, a groom must undergo a significant test to demonstrate his worthiness of the bride. On the wedding day, he is required to visit the home of his parents-in-law, where his task is to pay a "ransom" for his beloved. This involves presenting thoughtful gifts to the bride's parents as a gesture of appreciation and respect. In addition to the act of gift giving, the groom has a unique opportunity to prove his worthiness to his future in-laws in Russia. He must showcase his talents by singing and dancing until the parents deem it sufficient. This tradition often leads to moments of embarrassment for the groom, far surpassing the mere presentation of gifts at the doorstep.
Turkey – Turkish Flag
If you come across a Turkish national flag displayed outside someone's door seemingly at random, rest assured that there is a purpose behind it. In Turkey, it is a cherished tradition for the groom's friends to adorn his house with a Turkish flag on his wedding day. This act holds symbolic significance and is a way for friends to celebrate and honor the groom's special day. As you stroll along the streets of Turkey, should you come across a flag prominently displayed, take it as a sign that a wedding celebration is imminent within that household. Additionally, it is customary for people to accompany the flag with arrangements of fruits, vegetables, and even mirrors. These arrangements symbolize that the wedding ceremony is already underway, adding an extra touch of festivity and joy to the occasion.
India – The Marriage Course
According to Hindu culture, there is a belief that if a woman is born when both Mars and Saturn are positioned in the seventh house, it signifies an unfavorable marital destiny. It is believed that if she chooses to marry, she may face the unfortunate circumstance of becoming a widow at an early stage in her married life. Fortunately, there exists a remedy to nullify the adverse effects of the marriage course in Hindu culture. To overcome this belief, the woman must participate in a ritual known as "marrying a tree." In this ritual, she symbolically weds a tree and then proceeds to cut it down, symbolizing the breaking of the supposed curse. One can only imagine the astonishment a groom might experience upon discovering that his bride was born under this course and had undergone such a unique ritual.
Norway – The Wedding Crown
While Norwegian weddings may appear ordinary at first glance, they encompass a few captivating traditions that are lesser-known. One such tradition entails the bride adorning a distinctive silver and gold crown during the wedding ceremony. This elegant crown holds symbolic significance and adds a touch of regality to the bride's attire. The Norwegian wedding crown is adorned with delicate charms that tinkle and sway with every movement of the bride. According to Norwegian beliefs, this melodic sound acts as a protective shield, warding off any lurking evil spirits on the auspicious day of the wedding. It serves as an extra measure to ensure the newlyweds are shielded from any negative energies that might attempt to disrupt their joyous celebration.
China – Embroidered Dress
China boasts a plethora of wedding traditions, including the practice of the bride walking down the aisle donning a beautifully embroidered dress known as the qipao or cheongsam. The qipao is a form-fitting attire designed exclusively for the bride's journey down the aisle. Its elegant style adds a touch of grace and cultural significance to the wedding ceremony. In Chinese wedding customs, it is common for brides to have multiple outfit changes throughout their special day. After the ceremony, the bride typically switches to a more Western-style dress for the reception. As the celebration progresses, she may further transition into a comfortable cocktail dress, adding an element of intrigue and variety to the evening's festivities. This tradition allows the bride to showcase different styles and brings an extra level of excitement to the occasion.
Greece – Grooming Tradition
In Greece, the concept of a "groomsman" takes on a literal meaning as the best man assumes the role of the groom's barber on the wedding day. According to tradition, the koumparos or best man is responsible for shaving the groom's face before the wedding. This act holds cultural significance and adds a personal touch to the groom's preparation, further symbolizing the bond between the groom and his chosen best man. In addition to receiving a complimentary facial treatment, the groom in Greece is privileged to partake in a special ritual where he is served honey and almonds by none other than his new mother-in-law. This unique tradition aims to foster a stronger bond among all members of the wedding party and symbolizes the coming together of two families through shared moments of sweetness and nourishment.
Wales – The Bridal Bouquet
In Wales, the bridal bouquet holds significant meaning in the wedding ceremony. An essential element of the bouquet is the inclusion of myrtle, a herb that symbolizes love. According to tradition, the bride must provide a cutting of myrtle to each of her bridesmaids. This act is not only symbolic but also serves as a way to share the blessings of love and good fortune with her closest friends and attendants. In accordance with the Welsh tradition, if a bridesmaid plants the myrtle cutting received from the bride and it flourishes, it is believed that she will be the next in line to be married. This custom holds such significance that even Kate Middleton, during her wedding ceremony, adhered to it, following the long-standing tradition. The inclusion of this symbolic ritual adds an extra layer of meaning and hope for the bridesmaids, connecting them to the age-old customs of love and matrimony.
Mongolia – The Poor Chicken
In Mongolia, there exists a unique wedding tradition that differs from the typically joyful and lighthearted customs. It is customary for the couple to partake in a ritual where they must first sacrifice a baby chicken before they can finalize an official wedding date. Although this tradition may seem unconventional to some, it holds cultural significance within the Mongolian wedding customs. In Mongolia, an intriguing wedding tradition involves the couple not only sacrificing a baby chicken but also jointly holding a knife to cut it apart. The objective is to continue cutting until they uncover a healthy liver, signifying their readiness to set a wedding date. This ritual holds significant cultural meaning, emphasizing the couple's commitment and readiness to embark on their marital journey together.