A look at traditions for weddings from around the world demonstrates the uniqueness of each culture and country. At the same time, no matter how different these practices, there is one final goal they all hold in common – to create a happy and prosperous family.
Language Connections, a translation and interpreting services company, is happy to share with you 7 of the most interesting traditions that we came across. Enjoy!
1. Rings on Their Toes – India
While a Western bride-to-be wears a ring on her ring finger, Indian brides prefer the tradition of Bichiya. This requires an engagement ring worn on the feet. Brides usually wear a silver ring on their left foot, next to the big toe. Grooms place the ring on their brides’ toes during weddings, and these rings are worn only by married women. In India, rings on toes play a similar role to engagement rings on fingers in the Western culture. Hindu men can also wear rings, if they wish.
2. Smashing Dishes at Weddings – Germany
The custom of smashing dishes, also known as the Polterabend, is a common tradition which occurs during rehearsal dinners, prior to weddings. Although the origin of this German custom is unknown, it is believed that the cacophony created by the beating of utensils and breaking of dishes symbolizes the inevitable future conflicts which the newlyweds will have to face in their married life. After weddings, both groom and bride are responsible for sweeping up the mess. By smashing plates in advance, friends prepare the married couple for the upcoming obstacles they will face together and wish them luck in their new life as a married couple. It is also said that the more dishes that are broken, the more luck the married couple will receive.
3. Blackening the Bride – Scotland
This part of the Scottish pre-marriage ritual, known as the blackening of the bride, happens prior to weddings. The bride-to-be, surprised by her friends, is covered with various substances such as eggs, sauces, and feathers from head to toe. After the blackening, the bride is supposed to parade through the streets or is tethered to a tree. Recently, the tradition was changed. Now it also includes blackening the groom. It is believed that the custom of blackening brides and grooms drives away evil spirits. This tradition is still maintained in some parts of Scotland today.
4. Jumping Over a Broom at Weddings – United States
“Jumping the broom” is a wedding tradition that was practiced for centuries by the Romani gypsies in the United Kingdom. This ritual, also known as a “broomstick wedding”, was commonly practiced by Romani couples that were eloping during the 1900s. More recently it has been adopted by African Americans in the United States. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are asked to jump over a broom. The broom is usually ornamented with flowers and ribbons, symbolizing fertility and wealth. Each guest writes their name or initials on a ribbon which is then tied to the broom before the wedding ceremony. The action of jumping over the broom represents the start of a new beginning, and may also symbolize the union of two families or household’s homage to their ancestors. There are several variations of this ritual practiced by different religions.
5. No Toilet for Three Days – Tidong tribe in Sandakan
To those of you who are unfamiliar with this tradition, it may in fact sound very unappealing. According to wedding traditions practiced by members of the Tidong tribe in Sandakan, a tribe living in the Sabah state of Malaysia, married couples are not allowed to use the toilet for a period of 3 days and 3 nights following their wedding ceremony. According to tradition, if they fail to follow this ritual – they risk having bad luck and other serious consequences. The number three is considered by the Tidong tribe to be evil. Thus, failure to conform with the tradition for the entire period of three days is thought to lead to divorce, the death of children, or the couple’s infertility. In order to avoid having to use the toilet, newlyweds are not allowed to eat or drink anything during these three days. The background of this custom appears to be unclear.
6. Pay to Dance with a Bride at Weddings – Poland
This Polish wedding tradition involves: the wedding guests, the bride, dancing, money, and an apron. Yes, an apron. During the wedding reception when the bride dances with her father, one of her relatives holds up an apron to the wedding guests. The guests then are expected to place money into the apron in order to have a chance to dance with the bride. After some time, when several guests have had the opportunity to dance with the bride, the groom puts his entire purse into the apron, thus surpassing all the previous so called “bets”. The bride and the groom then have a chance to leave for their honeymoon destination, taking the apron with them.
7. Charivari Tradition – France
Charivari perhaps is one of the most annoying traditions associated with weddings. According to this medieval French custom, the house of the newlyweds is occupied by their friends, who sing a loud and discordant serenade and knock on the windows and door with pots and pans for the entirety of the couple’s wedding night. After the serenade, as a show of their “thanks,” the couple is actually expected to invite the guests in for drinks and food! The first mention of the tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, but most likely the custom was practiced even before that. The ritual was originally held after the couple gave wedding vows, and it is considered a normal part of the post-wedding celebration in France.
Please share with us your own wedding customs and traditions!
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