There are various wedding traditions worldwide that symbolise health, happiness, and romance. However, these traditions and customs surrounding weddings differ greatly across different countries and cultures.
Our guide to wedding traditions around the world will highlight the different ceremonies that are unique and memorable.
Wedding Traditions Around the World
China
Red is important in Chinese weddings because it represents good luck and happiness. The bride dresses in a traditional red qipao or a crimson gown adorned with a dragon and phoenix, symbolising the balance of feminine and masculine energy.
The groom dresses in a black or blue silk coat to represent the unification of yin and yang. The couple kneels and pays homage to their ancestors and parents throughout the ritual.
South Korea
Weddings in South Korea frequently follow a ritual known as “Pyebaek.” The bride and groom honour their parents during this ceremony by bowing and delivering presents. The pair also enjoys a honey-and-wine cocktail called “Jung Jong,” which symbolises the sweetness and harmony of their marriage.
Sweden
Swedish weddings are known for their distinctive traditions, including the “silver coin dance.” Guests drop silver coins onto the dance floor during this ceremony, which the couple gathers as an offering of good luck and to help them begin their new life together.
The bride often wears a classic white gown with a myrtle leaf headpiece to symbolise fertility. Traditional dances such as the Swedish waltz and the frog dance are frequently performed during the celebrations.
Japan
Traditional Shinto rites are prominent in Japanese marriages. The bride dresses in a white kimono to symbolise purity and a white hood called a tsunokakushi to conceal her “horns of jealousy” from the groom’s family. The pair sips sake from three different-sized glasses, one for heaven, one for earth, and one for human ties.
Another common custom is exchanging nuptial cups, or san-san-kudo, to signify the couple’s and their family’s oneness.
Nigeria
Nigerian weddings are recognised for their bright colours and energetic celebrations. The bride dresses in a traditional “iro” and “buba,” or a brilliantly coloured shirt and wrapper made of aso-oke cloth. The groom is dressed in a flowing embroidered agbada robe. Native dances that are music and cultural acts are essential to Nigerian weddings, representing the country’s rich tradition.
India
Indian weddings are colourful and lavish celebrations that might last many days. The bride dresses in a lavishly embellished red or gold saree and has exquisite henna decorations called mehndi done to her hands and feet. The groom usually rides in on a decked white horse, and the pair exchanges floral garlands known as varmalas to show their approval of one another.
Brazil
In Brazilian weddings, the pair frequently participates in a tradition described as the “Hora da Gravata,” or tie auction. The groom’s tie is ripped into pieces, and guests bid for the chance to buy a piece as a lucky charm. The funds raised are then utilised to help cover the couple’s honeymoon expenditures.
Jewish Marriages
Shattering the glass is a traditional and essential ceremony in Jewish weddings. Toward the end of the ceremony, the groom customarily stomps on a cloth-wrapped glass, shattering it. This act has several metaphorical implications. According to one interpretation, the breaking of the glass recalls the demolition of the Temple in Jerusalem and serves as a reminder of the Jewish people’s history and perseverance.
It also represents the promise’s seriousness since the glass’s shattering signals the ceremony’s end and the celebration’s start.
Scotland
In traditional Scottish weddings, the bride wears a traditional white gown decorated with tartan patterns reflecting her family’s clan. The future husband and his party dress in kilts with knee-length tartan skirts. A bagpiper frequently leads the processional, and the married couple exchanges ring throughout the ceremony.
Following the wedding, guests perform ceilidh dances such as the renowned Scottish country dance.
Morocco
Moroccan weddings are well-known for their lavish events. The bride dresses in a long and elegantly crafted classic caftan. During the wedding, the couple performs a ritual known as the “henna ceremony.” The bride’s hands and feet are covered in beautiful henna designs representing good luck, fertility, and protection from evil spirits.
Mexico
Weddings in Mexico combine indigenous and Spanish customs. The bride usually wears a white or ivory gown with a mantilla veil. To signify their eternal oneness, a lazo, a gorgeous bridal lasso, is wrapped over the couple’s shoulders in the configuration of a figure-eight.
In addition, the couple exchanges arras, which are thirteen gold pieces that symbolise success and future fortune. The event is slated to begin with a vibrant mariachi band.
Greece
Weddings in Greece are colourful and joyous celebrations. One popular tradition is the “koufeta”, or sugared almonds, offered as wedding favours. These nuts are wrapped in tulle to represent good fortune and delivered in odd numbers. Guests also participate in an ancient dance called the “kalamatiano,” forming a circle and dancing together.
Kenya
The couple’s family plays an important part in Kenyan weddings. The bride is dressed in a traditional Maasai costume decked with beaded jewellery. During the ritual, parents are asked to bless the pair by wrapping a “leso” shawl around their shoulders. Traditional customary dances and songs, such as the “Isikuti,” are performed to commemorate the union.
Sweden
Weddings in Sweden involve a distinctive ritual known as the “wedding smorgasbord.” This sumptuous buffet-style lunch includes a wide range of traditional items, including pickled herring, cured salmon, meatballs, and Swedish desserts and pastries. The smorgasbord is a reception highlight, offering guests a lavish feast.
Hawaii
Couples frequently include the practice of exchanging leis in Hawaiian weddings. The bride and groom exchange fragrant flowers, such as plumeria or orchids, to express their love and dedication. The leis are an important Hawaiian cultural component worn during the ceremony.
Wedding customs abound worldwide, each having distinct beauty and importance to celebrating love and togetherness. These practices connect generations, honour history, and create special moments for couples and their families, from bowing to parents in South Korea to cutting the groom’s tie in Brazil.
Exploring these customs helps us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of weddings all across the world.
The Role of Diamonds in Wedding Traditions Around the World
Diamonds are considered a symbol of strength, purity, and luxury, enhancing the overall beauty of the bride on her special day.
They play an important role in wedding and engagement ceremonies around the world. While diamonds are not directly mentioned in all traditions, they certainly play a role in several. Diamond engagement rings are prominent symbols of love and commitment in many Western cultures.
Diamonds are frequently integrated into the bride’s jewellery in Indian weddings, particularly during key events such as the wedding reception or engagement ceremony. While not limited to diamonds, jewellery, especially diamond items, is highly valued at Chinese weddings.
Wrapping Up
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by Australian Diamond Brokers : June 1st 2023 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.