Weddings are ceremonies in which two people marry. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly by culture, ethnic group, race, religion, denomination, country, social class, and sexual orientation.
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Some cultures have adopted the traditional Western custom of the white wedding, in which the bride wears a white wedding gown and veil. In some countries, there are restrictions on where a wedding may take place.
For example, before the Marriage Act 1994, marriages in England and Wales could only take place at authorized religious buildings or civil register offices.
Rituals Around the World
American wedding customs, from the bride tossing her bouquet to wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, remain extremely popular for modern weddings. However, Americans do not have a monopoly on such rituals, almost every other country and culture has its own set of beloved wedding traditions.
1. China- In China, a bride's family will hire a "good luck" woman to accompany her on her journey from her home to her groom's in an elaborately decorated sedan chair. Furthermore, attendants are busy shielding the bride with parasols and throwing rice (a symbol of health and prosperity) at the chair.
2. Japan- A Japanese bride attending a traditional Shinto ceremony dresses in all white, including makeup, a kimono, and a hood known as a "tsunokakushi." White represents her maiden status, and the hood conceals any "horns of jealousy" she may have for her mother-in-law.
3. Norway- Instead of the traditional white wedding cake, try something different. A "kransekake," a towering special-occasion cake, is traditionally served at Norwegian weddings. It's made of iced almond cake rings arranged in a cone shape, with a wine bottle often placed in the hollow center.
4. Mexico- When a Mexican couple exchanges vows, a "lazo," or lasso, made of rosary beads and flowers is draped around their shoulders in the shape of figure eight. Not only does "el lazo" represent the couple's union, but its shape is similar to the infinity symbol, indicating how long they hope the marriage will last.
5. Congo- Congolese couples must keep their happiness in check. The couple is not allowed to smile throughout their wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception. If they do, it indicates that they are not serious about marriage.
6. Greece- A Greek groom's best man, or "koumparos," becomes his barber by pulling out a razor and shaving his pal's face. However, the groom's day has a sweet side. After he's shaved, his new mother-in-law will feed him honey and almonds.
7. Cuba- It is a Cuban tradition for every man who dances with the bride to pin money to her dress to help the couple pay for their wedding and honeymoon. You can count on it!
8. Turkey- On the groom's wedding day, his friends plant the Turkish flag, which features a red crescent and star, on the ground at his home. Depending on the location, items such as fruit, vegetables, and even mirrors are placed on top, indicating that the wedding ceremony has begun.
9. Russia- Couples in Moscow frequently take wedding photos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin as a show of respect, followed by the placement of flowers.
10. Mongolia- A Mongolian couple looking to set a wedding date must first kill a baby chicken and cut it apart while holding the knife together to find a healthy liver. They persevere until they achieve their goals.
11. India- It is customary for Indian women to gather their closest girlfriends and sit for hours at a time while having their skin intricately painted with mehndi, a henna-based paint. The art lasts about two weeks.
If you are a Hindu woman born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn both reside in the seventh house, you are cursed. If you marry, you should be prepared to be widowed early. Fortunately, there is a solution: marry a tree first, then cut it down to end the evil spell.
12. Sweden- When the bride leaves the table, all of the ladies at the reception have the opportunity to steal a kiss from the groom. When the groom exits the room, all surrounding gentlemen are free to kiss the bride.
13. Spain- At some Spanish weddings, the groom's friends will cut up his tie and sell the pieces to guests to raise additional funds for the newlyweds. The same practice is sometimes used for the bride's garter. Anything for a few more dollars!
14. South Korea- During the "Falaka ceremony” in South Korea, the groom's friends and family hold him down while beating the bottoms of his feet with a stick or dried fish. In between beatings, he is asked trivia questions, which is said to help strengthen his memory and feet.
15. Philippines- After their wedding, happy brides and grooms in the Philippines release a pair of white doves, one male and one female, into the air. The birds are said to symbolize a harmonious life together for the newlywed couple.
Conclusion
Wedding rituals vary greatly around the world, reflecting the rich tapestry of human culture and tradition. From elaborate ceremonies to simple celebrations, each ritual has its significance, rooted in the history and values of the communities that practice it. Despite cultural differences, these rituals all have one thing in common: they represent the unity of two people and their families, as well as the start of a new chapter in life.
Whether the vibrant colors of an Indian wedding, the solemnity of a traditional Japanese ceremony, or the exuberance of an African celebration, the essence is the same: a celebration of love, commitment, and the eternal union of two souls. As we explore and appreciate these various wedding traditions, we gain a better understanding of the universal desire for connection and the importance of celebrating the beauty of love in all its forms around the world.
Written By- Archi Goldi
(This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content, you can contact this email address - archigoldi17@gmail.com )
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