Getting married is a universal celebration of love and commitment, but wedding traditions around the world vary greatly from country to country. From rituals in the wedding ceremony to the post wedding tradition, each culture has its own unique ways of celebrating marriage. Here’s a look at 10 different wedding traditions from around the world.
India – Colorful mehendi ceremony
In India, mehendi (henna) is an important part of the wedding preparations. During this ceremony, the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna patterns. It is said that the darker the color, the more love she will receive from her husband.
Japan – Sake sharing
In the traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, the bride and groom share three cups of sake in a process known as San-san-kudo. This ceremony symbolizes unity and blessing, with the three cups representing heaven, earth, and humanity.
The Philippines – Dove release
In the Philippines, the bride and groom often release two white doves during their wedding party. The doves symbolize harmony and peace and are said to represent the couple’s love and future together.
Greece – Bread on the shoulders
In Greece, there is a post wedding tradition where the bride’s mother places bread on the couple’s shoulders while they dance. This symbolizes that they will never go hungry and that their home will be filled with abundance.
South Africa – The flame from their parents
In South Africa, it is traditional for the couple to bring fire from their respective homes to the wedding ceremony. Here, a new flame is lit, symbolizing the beginning of their new life together as a unit.
China – Tears before the wedding
In some Chinese cultures, it is a tradition for the bride to start crying a month before the wedding. This post wedding tradition is seen as a way to show joy and respect for the marriage. Family and friends often join in.
Scotland – Blackening
One of the more unusual traditions comes from Scotland, where the couple is covered in black syrup and feathers before the wedding. This ceremony symbolizes the couple’s ability to overcome challenges together.
Nigeria – Colorful dance ceremonies
In Nigeria, weddings are known for their colorful dances and celebrations. It is common for guests to spray money over the couple during the dance as a symbol of prosperity and blessings.
Mexico – The lasso around the couple
In a traditional Mexican wedding ceremony, a lasso, called “el lazo,” is placed around the couple in the shape of a figure-8. This symbolizes their eternal unity and unbreakable bond.
Denmark – Sock cutting
In Denmark, there is a fun post wedding tradition where the groom has the toes of his socks cut off during the wedding party. This is meant to symbolize that he is now a married man and no longer needs whole socks.
Exploring wedding traditions around the world provides fascinating insight into how different cultures celebrate love and marriage. If you are considering getting married in Denmark and need help navigating the various aspects of getting married as a foreigner, we are here to assist you with our services. Whether you wish to get married in one of Denmark’s beautiful city halls or have questions about all you need to know when getting married in Denmark as a foreigner, we can guide you through every step. Fill out our form today so we can help make your wedding in Denmark an unforgettable experience.