Some wedding traditions from around the world we are very familiar with and others are less well known. Engagement and wedding rings, wearing a veil, throwing the bouquet and flaunting the finest six tier buttercream coated wedding cake embellished with candied berries, these are all wedding traditions, which we are very much familiar with. However, how do these traditions vary across the globe? Here is a low down of the most weird and wonderful traditions from around the world.
Groom Riding in on a White Horse, India
Unlike in westernized culture where the Bride is always the centre of attention, in Hindu weddings, it is all about the Groom.
The Groom enters his wedding reception on a white horse adorned in fabulous jewels and colours and is followed by an extravagant loud parade of energetic music and dancing (usually just their close friends and family). As the wedding marks the Bride officially leaving her family to join her soon-to-be husbands, she must look sad hence, why the Groom takes all the limelight.
Confetti, Italy
Confetti didn’t used to be the tiny scraps of colourful heart-shaped paper we all know today. Originating in Italy, confetti was traditionally sugared almonds, which were handed to their guests as favours and then thrown over the newlyweds in celebration of their marriage.
Log Cutting, Germany
In order to showcase the strength of their marriage, German newlyweds must instantly work together to saw a log in half in front of their wedding guests. Traditionally, this is done to represent the couples ability to work as a team to overcome any obstacles, which may come their way during their marriage.
Geese Giving, Korea
Symbolising monogamy, in Korean tradition, the Groom gives geese or ducks to his mother-in-law to represent his pure intentions and loyalty to their daughter. More modernly, wooden geese and/or ducks will be exchanged as an alternative to the real deal.
Blackening, Scotland
The night before the wedding, most couples tend to have a quiet night in with their loved ones (unless you’re brave enough to actually have your hen and stag do the night before…). However, in Scottish tradition the bride and groom are taken out by their friends and family and doused in alcohol, ash, eggs, treacle and flour to bring good luck. Only in Scotland, eh..
Spitting on the Bride, Kenya
An interesting tradition, to say the least. In Kenya, the Father of the Bride spits on his daughter as she leaves the village, as a way not to jinx their future and good fortune.
Money Dance, Poland
In Poland, it is tradition to buy dances with the Bride at their wedding reception. The maid of honour collects the money from the guests, which then goes towards the lucky couple’s honeymoon.
Pinning Money to the Bride, Greece
To help top up the happy couple’s funds, in Greece, it is traditional for wedding guests to pin money to the Bride’s dress during the reception, which results in the gown looking like it is drowning in notes.
Chair Dance, Jewish
In Jewish tradition, no wedding would be complete without the Hora aka. the chair dance, where the Bride and Groom are hoisted into the air by a few brave/strong guests and danced around to the sound of Hava Anglia.
Ransoming the Bride, Romania
A slightly terrifying tradition if you’re not expecting it. In Romania as well as, a few other European countries such as, Russia, Germany and Wales, the bride-to-be is kidnapped by friends and family leaving it up to the Groom to rescue his beautiful fiance and pay her ransom through money, drinks and romantic gestures.
Unsurprisingly, the Welsh have turned this tradition into an alcohol-centred affair where the best man ‘abducts’ the Bride and takes her to the pub. It is then the Groom’s job to find them and pick up the tab. Let’s hope for the Groom’s sake he lives in a small town…