Weddings around the world are far from ordinary, with each culture infusing its own unique traditions and rituals into the celebration. From quirky ceremonies to meaningful acts of devotion, here are some of the most captivating wedding customs found globally.
Porcelain Smashing – Germany
In Germany, weddings kick off with a lively celebration called Polterabend, where guests smash porcelain dishes outside the couple’s home for good luck. The couple then cleans up together, symbolizing their readiness to face life’s challenges.
The Money Dance – Mexico
At Mexican weddings, the Money Dance is a festive tradition where guests pin money onto the bride and groom’s attire while dancing, helping fund their future adventures.
Shaving the Groom – Greece
Greek grooms partake in a traditional wet shave performed by their best man, known as the “koumbaros,” symbolizing trust and brotherhood before saying “I do.”
The Bride Wears Red – Hungary
In Hungary, brides change into a red dress named the “menyecske ruha” at midnight, marking the transition from bride to wife.
Ring-in-the-Rice Game – India
During Indian weddings, couples participate in the “angothi khela,” a game involving finding a hidden ring in a bowl of rice to determine who will “rule” the household in the future.
Bomboniere Favors – Italy
Guests at Italian weddings receive bomboniere, small bags of sugared almonds symbolizing the couple’s future joys and challenges.
Sofreh Aghd – Iran
In Iran, couples partake in the Sofreh Aghd ceremony, surrounded by symbolic items representing blessings for their married life.
Lasso Ceremony – Mexico
The Lasso Ceremony in Mexico involves draping a cord around the couple, symbolizing their intertwined lives and unbreakable bond.
Tea Ceremony – China
In China, the tea ceremony is a gesture of respect where the couple serves tea to elders, receiving blessings in return.
Haldi Ceremony – India
Indian couples participate in the Haldi ceremony before the wedding, applying turmeric paste for purification and protection.
Cake Pulling – Peru
At Peruvian weddings, single women participate in a cake pulling tradition where charms attached to ribbons predict the next to marry.
Sake Drinking – Japan
The Japanese San-san-kudo ceremony involves the couple sipping sake, symbolizing their union.
In the Korean Paebaek ceremony, the couple takes sips of tea from three cups of varying sizes—three sips each, totaling nine. The number nine is considered lucky, symbolizing the couple’s new bond and the unity of their families. After bowing to their parents, a unique twist follows as the groom gives the bride a piggyback ride, often amidst playful dodging of flying dates and chestnuts representing future children.
In Sweden, a kissing tradition adds a fun element to weddings: when one of the newlyweds leaves the room, guests can seize the opportunity for a kiss. This lively custom continues as the groom steps out, allowing a line of suitors to approach the bride, and vice versa when the bride steps away.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, weddings are treated with utmost seriousness. Couples are expected to remain solemn and refrain from smiling during the ceremony and even in photographs. This practice is not a reflection of unhappiness, but rather a demonstration of the deep commitment they are making to each other.
