Weddings are a special event celebrated by people around the world. From the bride’s dress to the groom’s suit to the reception, each culture has unique traditions that make their wedding special. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most fascinating wedding traditions from around the world that you might not have heard of before.
Malay Weddings
Malay weddings are a colourful and joyous affair that lasts for several days. The bride and groom typically wear traditional Malay attire, with the bride wearing a baju kurung and the groom wearing a baju Melayu. One of the unique Malay wedding traditions is the “bersanding” ceremony, where the bride and groom sit on a dias or a raised platform, and are crowned with traditional Malay headgear. This symbolizes their new status as husband and wife. The couple is then showered with petals and rice by their family and guests as a sign of blessings and well wishes.
Japanese Weddings
In Japan, weddings are traditionally held in a Shinto shrine, where the bride wears a white kimono and the groom wears a black montsuki haori hakama, a formal kimono. The bride and groom perform a purification ceremony, rinse their hands and mouths with water to purify themselves. During the reception, the couple drinks sake together, symbolizing their union.
Indian Weddings
Indian weddings are grand affairs, lasting for several days. One of the most significant ceremonies is the Haldi ceremony, where the bride and groom are smeared with turmeric paste to ward off evil spirits. The bride wears a red sari during the wedding, while the groom wears a sherwani, a long coat-like garment. The wedding ends with a reception called the “baraat,” where the groom arrives on horseback.
Moroccan Weddings
In Morocco, weddings are known for their vibrant and colourful celebrations. The bride wears a traditional caftan, a long dress made of silk or satin, and the groom wears a traditional djellaba, a long robe. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges seven vows, representing the seven blessings of marriage. The reception is filled with music and dancing, including a traditional dance called the “Ahidous.”
Mexican Weddings
Mexican weddings are rich in culture and tradition. The reception includes a traditional dance called the “Jarabe Tapatío,” or Mexican hat dance. During the ceremony, the bride and groom exchange coins or arras, symbolizing their mutual support for each other. The couple also exchanges lazos, or wedding lassos, which are rosary beads in the shape of a loop.
Chinese Weddings
In China, weddings are traditionally held in a family’s ancestral home or a hotel. The bride wears a red qipao or a traditional cheongsam, while the groom wears a black suit or a traditional Chinese tunic. The reception includes a lion dance, where performers dressed as lions perform acrobatics. During the ceremony, the couple drinks a cup of tea to show respect to their parents.
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German Weddings
In Germany, weddings are typically small and intimate affairs. During the ceremony, the bride carries salt and bread in her purse, symbolizing the couple’s ability to provide for each other. The groom carries grain in his pocket, representing his ability to provide for his family. The reception includes the “Polterabend,” where guests break porcelain dishes to bring the couple good luck.
Scottish Weddings
In Scotland, weddings are steeped in tradition. The groom wears a traditional kilt, while the bride wears a white dress with tartan accents. During the ceremony, the couple performs a handfasting ceremony, where their hands are bound together with a tartan sash to symbolize their union. The reception includes a traditional dance called the “Ceilidh,” where guests dance to traditional Scottish music.
Nigerian Weddings
Nigerian weddings are known for their elaborate ceremonies and colourful attire. The bride wears a traditional gele, a head wrap made of brightly coloured fabric, and a buba, a loose-fitting blouse, while the groom wears a kaftan or agbada, a flowing gown-like garment. During the ceremony, the couple jumps over a broom, symbolizing their commitment to sweeping away past wrongs and starting anew.
Israeli Weddings
In Israel, weddings are joyous occasions filled with music and dancing. The bride and groom stand under a chuppah, a canopy made of cloth or branches, symbolizing the home they will build together. The couple breaks a glass underfoot at the end of the ceremony, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Korean Weddings
Korean weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism. During the ceremony, the bride and groom exchange wooden geese or ducks, symbolizing their loyalty and love for each other. The couple also exchange wedding vows and bow to their parents as a sign of respect. The reception includes a traditional dance called the “Ganggangsullae,” where guests perform a circular dance holding hands.
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Greek Weddings
Greek weddings are known for their festive atmosphere and delicious food. Turing the reception, guests break plates to bring the couple good luck, and the couple dances the “Kalamatianos,” a traditional Greek dance. The bride and groom exchange wedding crowns, or “stefana,” to symbolize their union.
Italian Weddings
In Italy, weddings are all about family and tradition. The bride wears a white dress, while the groom wears a black suit. During the ceremony, the couple stands on a red carpet, symbolizing the path they will walk together. The reception includes a traditional “Tarantella” dance where guests dance in a circle.
Irish Weddings
Irish weddings are full of tradition and symbolism. The bride wears a white dress, while the groom wears a kilt or a traditional suit. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges wedding rings of Irish gold, symbolizing their love and commitment. The reception includes a traditional dance called the “Siege of Ennis,” where guests dance in a circle.
Conclusion
Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and commitment. Each culture has its unique traditions that make its wedding special. From the colourful celebrations of Morocco to the intimate affairs of Germany, these fascinating wedding traditions from around the world are a testament to the beauty of diversity.
If you’re planning your own wedding or simply interested in learning more about different cultures, take the time to explore 50Gram Wedding which appreciate the fascinating wedding traditions from around the world. Or, discuss with 50Gram Wedding about your style of the wedding ceremony. Who knows, you might find inspiration with our wedding experts for your wedding celebrations!
FAQ
In Malay weddings, one unique tradition is the “bersanding” ceremony, where the bride and groom sit on a raised platform and are crowned with traditional Malay headgear, symbolizing their new status as husband and wife. They are showered with petals and rice by their family and guests as a sign of blessings and well wishes.
At a Japanese wedding, the bride wears a white kimono, while the groom wears a black montsuki haori hakama, a formal kimono. During the reception, the couple drinks sake together, symbolizing their union. They also perform a purification ceremony where they rinse their hands and mouths with water to purify themselves.
The Haldi ceremony is significant in Indian weddings as it involves smearing the bride and groom with turmeric paste to ward off evil spirits. The bride wears a red sari, and the groom wears a sherwani during the wedding. The wedding concludes with the “baraat,” a reception where the groom arrives on horseback.
Moroccan weddings are known for their vibrant celebrations. The reception is filled with music, dancing, and a traditional dance called the “Ahidous.” the bride wears a traditional caftan, while the groom wears a traditional djellaba. The couple exchanges seven vows during the ceremony, representing the seven blessings of marriage.
Mexican weddings are rich in culture and tradition. The reception often includes the traditional “Jarabe Tapatío” or Mexican hat dance. During the ceremony, the bride and groom exchange coins or arras, symbolizing their mutual support for each other. They also exchange lazos, which are wedding lassos shaped like rosary beads.
