15 Wedding Customs from Around the World That May Astonish Foreigners

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15 Wedding Customs from Around the World That May Astonish Foreigners

Weddings are special occasions celebrated in various unique ways around the world. Each culture adds its own customs and traditions that make wedding ceremonies meaningful and memorable. From Japan’s sake sharing to Scotland’s bride blackening, these intriguing rituals provide a glimpse into the diverse ways love and union are celebrated globally.

India

Indian weddings are famous for their grandeur and the multitude of rituals spread over several days. Each day features unique ceremonies, such as the Mehendi for decorating the bride’s hands and feet with henna, the Sangeet for music and dance, and the solemn yet joyous main wedding ceremony. This extended celebration allows for deep involvement from both families and unites them in the festive spirit.

Japan

In Japan, the wedding ceremony often includes a ritual called ‘san-san-kudo’. During this tradition, the couple shares three sips of sake from three different cups. Each sip represents a bond that the couple shares with each other and their families. This symbolic act is a declaration of their commitment and the merging of their lives.

Jamaica

In Jamaica, it’s customary for villagers to line up to see the bride on her wedding day. They often offer critiques of her appearance and attire. This tradition reflects the close-knit community spirit, where everyone takes part in the celebration and provides their blessings or opinions openly.

Morocco

Before the wedding in Morocco, the bride undergoes a purification ritual where she is bathed in milk. This custom is meant to purify and prepare her for her new life. It’s a serene moment that signifies cleansing and the bride’s readiness to embark on marital life with her spouse.

Russia

In Russia, the groom must go through a playful yet challenging ritual of ‘ransoming’ his bride from her family. He is tasked with completing various challenges set by the bride’s family, or offering symbolic gifts. This fun tradition adds excitement to the day and is enjoyed by all attendees.

China

A traditional Chinese wedding often features a loud and vibrant parade with music, dancing, and a lavish display of decorations. The bride is typically taken to the groom’s house in a decorative sedan accompanied by the procession. This lively celebration is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the couple.

Italy

At Italian weddings, it’s customary for the couple to break a glass during the reception. The number of pieces the glass breaks into is said to represent the number of years the couple will be happily married. This tradition brings a fun and hopeful spirit to the festivities.

Germany

In Germany, one memorable wedding tradition involves the bride and groom sawing a log together right after the ceremony. This act symbolizes their first challenge as a married couple and their ability to work together to overcome obstacles.

Scotland

In Scotland, there’s a humorous pre-wedding tradition called ‘blackening the bride’. Friends and family cover the bride, and sometimes the groom, in soot, feathers, and other substances. This is believed to ward off evil spirits and prepare the couple for the challenges of marriage.

Korea

In Korea, giving ducks or geese during the wedding is a significant tradition. These birds are known to mate for life, symbolizing the couple’s commitment and fidelity to each other. It’s a poignant reminder of lifelong partnership and loyalty.

Norway

Norwegian brides often wear a traditional silver crown with charms that tinkle when she moves. These charms are thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the newlyweds. It’s also a beautiful symbol of the bride’s royal status in her new family.

Mexico

In Mexican weddings, a lasso, often a rosary or silk cord, is placed around the couple’s shoulders during the ceremony. This signifies their binding together in love and commitment. The lasso is a visual representation of their new bond as a married couple.

Greece

In Greece, the groom’s best man performs the ceremonial shaving of the groom’s face. This tradition is a display of trust and brotherhood between the groom and his best man, symbolizing the support the groom will have in his married life.

Brazil

Brazilian brides often write the names of their single friends on the inside of their wedding dress. This is believed to bring luck and romance to those friends, hopefully helping them to find their own partners soon.

Sweden

At Swedish wedding receptions, there’s a playful tradition where guests can kiss the bride or the groom whenever one of them leaves the room. This keeps the atmosphere full of love and joy, making for a memorable and fun celebration for everyone involved.