People may show their love in numerous forms, but commonly, they enter the world of sacred marriage through ancient rituals. Nevertheless, weddings are still significant in every part of the globe. Although customs vary worldwide, the passion for promoting love and pleasure is universal.
While certain traditions may bewilder you, others might interest you, and some can even seem insulting. But what occurs on betrothal days throughout the world will surprise you. Fortunately, these traditions are generally planned to bring the pair good luck and success.
Unique and diverse wedding traditions and customs
African practices
Several Africans have specific wedding ceremonies, including tying the knot. The knot is usually composed of cloth, a string of cowrie shells, or rope tied by the wedding officiant.
Generally, the Yorùbá tribe, which encompasses most of Nigeria, also performs the rite of “Tasting the Four Elements.” That particular ceremony reflects the problematic stages of marriage. The bride and groom will taste four flavors during the ritual. Also, the flavors may vary from cayenne for spice, lemon for sourness, honey for sweetness, and vinegar for bitterness.
The Hispanic way
Every Hispanic country, or simply a Spanish-speaking nation, becomes lively and loud with its large crowds during wedding ceremonies. In other words, they know how to have fun and enjoy themselves. Apart from that, the main religion in this culture is Roman Catholicism. Considering that, Hispanic people tend to be religious too.
In addition, the bride and groom’s parents prepared an oversized rosary, a lasso. And this lasso is put around the couple during prayer. With that, it symbolizes unity, which should be kept and treasured by the couple forever.
Hispanic countries also have this so-called ornate box that contains 13 gold coins as part of their wedding tradition. And this has been blessed by the priest and bestowed by the groom. Since Hispanic people are religious, the gold coins portray Jesus and his disciples. They also represent the groom’s dedication to providing for his family.
Wedding customs of the Chinese
Holding a Pin Jin, known as dowry, distinguishes Chinese from other wedding traditions. A dowry represents the bride’s value, which a groom needs to prepare for his bride. The higher the amount of dowry, the higher the value and respect the groom and his family have for his bride.
Having a tea ceremony is also crucial to Chinese culture. Before the wedding, a tea ceremony with the bride’s family is a must. Then, after this ceremony, the couple should hold a wedding ceremony with the groom’s family. Also, red and gold and the famous double happiness symbol are common during Chinese weddings.
Traditional marriages of Jews
Jews follow a rigorous religious culture and traditions during weddings. They tend to follow the Torah, the Jewish Law, for most of their practices. One common tradition under the Torah is a week before the ceremony, the groom is not permitted to see his bride. But for some Jews who are very religious, it is done for the entire engagement.
Another wedding practice Jews do is the bride being veiled and sitting in a chair while the groom and his groomsmen dance around her. Afterward, the groom removes her veil and stands on an arch called a Chuppah. Then the bride will walk around her groom seven times in a circle.
The Rabbi, or the spiritual leader, will give his blessings as the couple exchange bands. Lastly, the groom, with his foot, shatters a glass.
Indian weddings
India is famous for having multiple rituals and ceremonies throughout the wedding week. The couples will have an intimate Hindu ceremony, or Ganesha Pooja, with their close friends and family for the first two days. Additionally, the Mehendi ceremony also takes place. And this is when the bride will be decorated with henna tattoos on both her hands and feet.
By the third day, the Hindu wedding ceremony will begin. The seven steps, or Saptapadi, will also occur during that part. For this ceremony, the Indian pair will walk around a fire pit making seven circles. Those circles portray the seven sacred vows and promises they made to each other.
Diverse yet meaningful wedding customs
Undoubtedly the most astonishing aspect of the world is how the same deed or custom can be carried out by humans so differently in each culture. You can take marriage as an example. This meaningful ceremony is performed worldwide, yet the manner it is celebrated differs significantly among cultures.
Although each country has different wedding traditions, it’s not the differences that are important. Instead, it’s the happiness and the unforgettable experience that every couple and even the ceremony’s guests have that is unique. Experiencing the most memorable moment in your life is something worth treasuring.
