A bride dressed in white goes up to the altar where she meets the groom and a (usually religious) leader who will minister the union? celebrated in the presence of friends and family. This is the image that comes to mind when it comes to the wedding ceremony, which is the most common ritual in both Brazil and other countries.
But in such a culturally rich and plural world, you may be surprised at the marriage traditions of other parts of the world. With miscegenation, some customs of other peoples have even been incorporated into Brazilian culture. "The rice that is thrown to the bride and groom, for example, is an ancient Chinese tradition", explains the advisor and event organizer Flávia Sacchetto Santos.
Here are some traditions and customs of weddings in thirteen different countries around the globe. The idea is always the same: to guarantee a very important celebration for the couple's life. See also videos showing traditional royal weddings in each country.
China
Red is very important in Chinese weddings. Symbol of joy and love, color is present in the decoration, invitations and even the bride's dress. About the dresses, by the way, the Chinese bride has at least three models to be worn during the party. Another Chinese tradition of the couple is to drink honeyed wine from two glasses tied with a red ribbon (too!).
Russia
During a traditional joke, the Russian groom has to strive to get his bride shortly before the ceremony. Before marriage, he shows up at his beloved's house and asks again for her hand. So friends and family of the bride refuse the boy's request until he pays the ransom? in giveaways, jewelry, cash or with some kind of prank call.
India
One of the most striking traditions in Hindu weddings is the Mehndi Rat ceremony, which consists of henna tattooing the bride's hands and feet. The drawings are incredibly detailed and take hours to complete. For the wedding, the Indian bride must also be adorned with many jewels.
Japan
At the Japanese ceremony, the bride and groom drink nine sips of sake, truly becoming husband and wife from the first sip. Flávia Sacchetto Santos reports that she has already organized some weddings in which one of the newlyweds was of Japanese origin. ?I'ts very interesting! Tradition comes to stand out from the? Common? and we were able to incorporate and merge the elements of both cultures for a truly ecumenical ceremony. In the case of the Japanese, they often use many tsurus in decoration and souvenirs, typical foods and specific flowers ?, he explains.
Israel
One of the best known traditions of Jewish marriages is the breaking of the glass cup. The bridegroom should break a glass with his right foot to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. At the end all the guests shout "Mazel Tov" which means "good luck". in Hebrew.
Egypt
In Egypt, the bride's family takes care of cooking for the bride and groom during the week following the ceremony. Thus, the couple can better enjoy the beginning of the marriage. Great idea, isn't it?
Morocco
In order to purify themselves, Moroccan women take a milk bath before the wedding ceremony.
Turkey
If you don't want to disappoint your single friends but would like to save the wedding bouquet, perhaps a Turkish tradition might help. There, the bride's single friends write their names inside her shoes. At the end of the celebration, the one whose name is most erased will be the next to marry.
Netherlands
As a symbol of fertility and luck, a pine tree is planted outside the home of the Dutch newlyweds.
Greece
The joy of the Greeks with the union of the couple shows in a party with lots of food, music and dance. As a symbol of luck and prosperity, the Greeks perform the famous breaking of dishes to the sound of traditional folk music.
Poland
The Polish wedding party can last two days (or even longer!) Between the main ceremony, the party, dances and banter. It is said that this tradition emerged as a way for the people to prolong their moments of joy after suffering much during the war.
U.S
Following the rhyme? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ?, the bride must respect the saying strictly and during the party she must use something old (symbol of continuity), something new (hope), a borrowed object ( symbolizing happiness given by a friend) and something blue (purity). This is a tradition of European origin that many brides here have already incorporated, believing to bring luck to their marriage, explains Flávia.
Mexico
Instead of poking their ties, Mexicans often do the "dollar dance," where the guest can pay to dance with the groom or bride. Another Mexican tradition is for the bride to leave the bouquet at the foot of an image of the Virgin Mary. In addition, traditional Mexican foods are served during the party. Have you thought about a Mexican menu at the wedding buffet?
If you are in the mood for some different tradition in your wedding ceremony, you can take advantage of some of these ideas and get inspired. The organizer's tip is to do nothing in exaggeration. ? Everything must be within common sense and adapted to our customs, climate and region. Bringing some elements from other cultures and putting in some details is original and elegant ?, guides Flavia.
10 Wedding Traditions From Other Countries (March 2024)
- Wedding, Planning
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