Even non-traditional couples nowadays are happy to participate in such time-honored American traditions as the bride tossing her bouquet and the groom presenting the best man with a gift of something old, new, borrowed, and blue. (Why put a damper on the beginning of your new marriage by thinking anything than happy thoughts?) In reality, the United States isn’t alone in having beloved wedding rites; nearly every culture and country has its own.
Some are really endearing, like the tradition of Swedish wedding guests kissing the newlyweds every time they leave the room. Some are mysterious, like the fact that on their wedding day, newlyweds in the Congo are not allowed to grin. Some of these customs are outright bizarre, like the one in Mongolia that requires engaged couples to butcher a chicken in search of a healthy liver before they may get married. In reality, though, there is only one element that unites all of these diverse traditions from near and far: love.
According to this notion, following these rituals will guarantee you a lifetime of happiness with your true love. If that means having your feet lashed by your South Korean relatives and friends, then so be it. When the happy couple finds true love and lives happily ever after, everyone wins.
If you want to feel the breadth of a winter wedding in long island wedding customs, keep reading to learn about some of the most amazing celebrations around the world.
Norway: Crowns are worn by brides to ward off evil spirits
According to Norwegian tradition country’s long-standing customs, the bride would accessorize her headdress with an intricate crown made of gold and silver, from which will dangle several little trinkets. The tinkling sound that she makes whenever she moves is intended to ward off evil spirits.
Armenia: Balance Bread
Do you wish to keep harmful spirits far away from your marital relationship? Flat lavash bread should be balanced on your shoulders. This is something that newlywed Armenian couples are expected to perform according to custom. When the bride and groom enter their Wedding Traditions, which is traditionally held in the home of the groom, they are expected to break a dish for good luck and then be presented with lavash and honey by the mother of the groom. This is a long-standing tradition. The celebration officially begins when they have completed the ritual of balancing bread on their shoulders to fend off evil and eating spoonfuls of honey to represent happiness.
Scotland: Eloping
In England, marriage was not permitted for anyone under the age of 21 until several centuries ago. However, this did not prevent young couples from locating a legal loophole, which in this case was a neighboring Scottish town that did not have such restrictions. Even in modern times, couples who desire to run away together frequently choose to do it in the town of Gretna Green.
Japan: A White Tsunokakushi
On the day of her wedding, a Japanese bride who is having a traditional Shinto ceremony wears all white, from her makeup to her kimono to a hood that is called a “tsunokakushi.” White symbolizes the bride’s status as a maiden, and the hood conceals the “horns of jealousy” that the bride feels toward her mother-in-law.
Lebanon: Entertainment Before the Ceremony
In Lebanon, the marriage ceremony, known as the Zaffe, gets off to a boisterous start with music, belly dancing, and yelling provided by the couple’s friends, relatives, and, occasionally, professional musicians and dancers at both the home of the groom and the home of the bride. Everyone arrives at the bride’s house eventually, and as the pair departs for the wedding, they are showered with blessings and flower petals.
Germany: Polterabend
To fend off any evil spirits, newlywed German couples must first follow the local custom and pick up the stacks of porcelain dishes that their guests have thrown on the ground before they can begin their first act of housekeeping together. The “Polterabend” taught us that as long as both partners are on the same team, they are able to overcome any obstacle that is placed in front of them.
Norway: Kransekake
Get rid of the traditional white Wedding Traditions cake and try something new. At Norwegian weddings, it is customary to serve a towering cake for a special event that is known as a “kransekake.” It has the appearance of a cone and is formed by stacking frosted almond cake rings to form the shape. Typically, a wine bottle is placed in the hollow center of the cone.
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Frequently asked questions
What are German wedding traditions?
A hand-tied floral bouquet is customarily carried by a German bride and is presented to her by her spouse during the wedding ceremony. The single women gather behind the bride after the ceremony, as is customary in many nations, and the bride throws the bouquet behind her.
What are French wedding traditions?
The day and night of a typical French wedding are spent together. A civil ceremony is frequently held in the morning, followed by a religious ceremony, a short cocktail reception, a four- or five-course meal, and dancing, which frequently begins in between dinner courses.
What are Swedish weddings like?
Simple wedding entourage: In general, Swedish weddings tend to be extremely understated affairs. Swedes keep it simple, choosing a Maid of Honor with four or five bridesmaids and a Best Man with just a few ushers. One bridesmaid and one best man are customary for Swedish brides and grooms.
