Education
It’s easy to assume that every wedding is unique, but you can skip certain traditions. However, some are still considered mandatory around the globe.
These are the kinds of traditional marriages that you can find around the world. They are not just about something borrowed and something Blue.
At the end of their ceremony, the bride and groom release a pair of white doves. The birds represent a happy and loving marriage.
Bell Breaking
When the newlyweds arrive, the bride’s mother will break a white ceramic ring filled with grains. This bell is a symbol of prosperity for the newlyweds.
Wedding ducks
The mother-in law throws carved wooden ducks and geese to the bride. Mandarin ducks are said to mate for life and represent marriage. If the bride catches the duck, then her first born child is said to be a boy. If she fails, it will be a girl.
Run away
The bride and groom sneak away from the wedding reception. If they manage to escape without being caught, it’s a good sign and a good sign for any guests who discover their absence.
Wedding Shave
The best man of the groom (also called a koubaros), shaves off his face while other friends dress him. The shaving symbolizes the trust between two men and the help with dressing gives everyone a part in getting the groom prepared.
Jumping over the broom
Origin: African-American
At the end of the ceremony, the couple jumps over a broom. The household decision maker is the person who jumps the highest over the broom.
Tabua
The groom-to be presents a wreath made of whale teeth (‘tabu,’) either to the bride-to-be or her father as a proposal. In Fijian culture, a tabua has a high value and was often used to negotiate between rival chiefs.
Red
Chinese brides are often seen wearing red veils and holding a red umbrella above their heads. In Chinese symbolism red is a colour that represents luck, love and wealth.
Clearing plates that have been smashed
The bride and groom then clean up the dishes that were smashed by guests. The guests smash porcelain dishes to ward off evil spirits. The bride and groom then clean up the mess.
Sake sharing ceremony
As do their parents, the couple takes three sips each from three sake glasses. This is seen as an official bonding between the families.
Breaking glass
Usually, a goblet for the wedding is broken underfoot. Usually, it’s a man. There are many interpretations. One is to remind people of the destruction that took place in the first Temple in Jerusalem or to scare away demons.
Confetti
Origin: Italy
Wedding guests and the couple receive sugar-coated almonds, also known as confetti. All of them are thrown towards the couple. The tradition dates back to Roman times. Almonds were thrown to guests to thank them for their health and happiness. Nowadays, they are replaced with scraps of papers.
Baumstamm Saegen
The couple cut a log with a long saw that has two handles. The couple faces their first challenge together.
Cake Ribbons
Origin: Peru
Ribbons are tied to charms at the center of the cake. One of them is a faux wedding ring. When a woman is served a slice of cake with ring on it, she’s thought to be next in line to marry.
Joota Chupai
While the groom’s parents try to recover the shoes, the oldest unmarried girls in the bride’s household steal them. The girls eventually ransom the shoes back. It’s a very popular game that involves the entire family.
Tinkling crown
Origin: Norway
The bride wears an ornamental crown made of silver and gold. Metal charms are attached to it. It is believed that the clinking of her charms while she moves will ward off evil spirit.
Throwing the bouquet
The bride throws the bouquet to a group of women who are not married. The bride throws her bouquet into a crowd of unmarried women for them to catch.
Spitting on the Bride
The groom spits in the bride’s face and chest. It is good luck for her.
The Irish bell
After reciting vows, a bell is rung. It is believed that the chime from the bell will ward off evil spirit.
Unity bowl
Each member of the family receives a unique stone. The stones are placed in a bowl displayed at the home of the couple. The display is to show the family’s influence on the couple and to remind them of their roots.
Sehra
The groom wears a’sehra,’ or headdress. The veil is usually made from flowers or beads. The veil adds a touch of prestige and pride to the groom, as well as protecting him from evil eyes.
