Here are ten unusual wedding rituals from around the world:
- Blackening the Bride (Scotland): Friends and family cover the bride and groom in soot, flour, and other messy substances. The couple is then paraded around town. This ritual is believed to prepare them for any hardships they may face in marriage.
- Log Cutting (Germany): After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom must work together to saw a log in half. This symbolizes their ability to overcome obstacles together as a team.
- Polterabend (Germany): On the eve of the wedding, guests break porcelain dishes and other breakable items at the bride’s house. The couple then has to clean up the mess, symbolizing their willingness to work together through tough times.
- Marrying a Tree (India): In some Indian cultures, if a bride is born under a certain astrological sign, she is considered “manglik” and thought to bring bad luck to her future husband. To counteract this, she must first marry a tree, which is then destroyed, breaking the curse.
- Kidnapping the Bride (Romania): Friends of the bride “kidnap” her, and the groom must rescue her by paying a ransom, such as performing a song or paying with drinks. This playful tradition tests the groom’s dedication and resourcefulness.
- Spitting on the Bride (Kenya): Among the Maasai people, the father of the bride spits on her head and breasts before she leaves with her husband. This is thought to bring good luck and fortune to the newlyweds.
- Shoe Theft (India): During a North Indian wedding, the bride’s family steals the groom’s shoes and demands a ransom for their return. This fun and playful tradition fosters camaraderie between the two families.
- Whale Tooth (Fiji): In Fijian tradition, when a man asks for a woman’s hand in marriage, he must present a whale’s tooth (tabua) to her father. This symbolizes his respect and the seriousness of his proposal.
- Cry Ritual (China): In the Tujia ethnic group, the bride is expected to cry every day for a month before the wedding. She starts alone, but her mother and other female relatives join her later. This is believed to be a way of expressing joy and sadness.
- No Bathroom for Three Days (Indonesia): Among the Tidong community in Borneo, the bride and groom are confined to their house and not allowed to use the bathroom for three days and nights. This ritual is believed to strengthen their bond and ensure a happy marriage.
These rituals highlight the diverse and fascinating ways different cultures celebrate the union of marriage.