There are some wedding traditions which are the same almost wherever you go. These include the practice of a bride wearing white, or the groom buying a diamond engagement ring of the sort sold by Chisolm Hunter Ltd. But other wedding traditions are only to be encountered in certain locations and amongst certain cultures, and may seem unusual to people outside of these environments. However, if you’re planning on getting married abroad or are about to get hitched to someone of a different nationality, it might be worth learning more about wedding traditions from the country in question. Here are some of the most fascinating wedding traditions from around the world.
Broom Jumping
The practice of jumping over a broom during the wedding ceremony dates back to before the abolition of slavery. During this time, marriage between enslaved couples wasn’t legally recognised and so the practice was incorporated as a means of signifying that the union was official in the eyes of the couple’s community. These days, broom jumping can still be observed in some African-American weddings, as well as Roma, Traveller and Pagan ceremonies.
Paying a Ransom
In Russia, grooms have to make a special effort for their beloved. In the week before the wedding it’s tradition for the man to pay a visit to the bride’s home, but her family will refuse him entry until he has paid a sufficient price for the privilege. This price might be counted in money or gifts, but it might also consist of humiliating tasks, dancing or tests of his abilities as a future husband. Only after he’s proved himself will he be able to visit with his intended.
All the Single Ladies
In Brazil it’s common for the bride to have written inside her dress all the names of her single female friends. This is done in the hopes that it will help those single ladies find a suitable partner, just as the bride has done.
Smashing Things
There are two distinct cultures in which smashing things is considered to be an essential part of a traditional wedding. Jewish people will smash a glass during the ceremony and German people prefer to smash porcelain. For the former, the act symbolises the tempering of joy. For the latter, the smashing is thought to ward off evil spirits and will provide a challenge for the couple that proves their willingness to work together.
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