By: daniela - 6 November 2017, 14:34
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When you think of a girl’s most important day in her whole life, you automatically think of two different things: the day she becomes a mother or the day of her wedding. This, can sound pretty generalist. However, most of them have the same answer. Girls usually put a lot of effort to their wedding organization including the place where they are throwing the party, the dress, (one of the most important items!), hair, shoes and so on…
This changes in every country as well as in different religions. For example, Jewish religious people tend to separate men from woman and the bride’s dress must cover her shoulders and legs. Here, we are going to show you different wedding traditions from different countries. Hope you all enjoy it.
Congo
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You may not believe this but did you know that brides from Congo are not allowed to smile during their wedding? Nor the party or the reception, not to mention the religious ceremony. A Wedding is considered a serious thing. So, if they smile about it, that seems they were not serious enough with the marriage.
Fiji
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Fiji grooms may present a whale tooth to their father in law when asking to their daughter’s hand. Yes. A WHALE Tooth! How do you even get one? I mean this is not only cruel but also difficult to find! Imagine having to look for this just because you want to marry the person you love. Luckily for Fiji grooms, this custom is on the decline.
Mauritius
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This one’s amazing. While every girl isusually trying to lose weight for their wedding so that their wedding dress fits them perfectly, in Mauritius it’s the other way around. Brides must gain a few pounds as a sign of “being well fed”. Every girl’s dream, right?
China
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Did you know that Chinese families hire a woman to take the bride to the groom with a luxurious sedan chair? It supposedly gives the couple good luck, prosperity and wellness.
Guatemala
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Each country apparently has its own traditions. Some of them, weirder than others. This one for example: in Guatemala, the groom’s mom has to break a white ceramic bell with rice and flour after the wedding, which is supposedly bringing prosperity to the new married couple. This is usually done in the highlands.
Japan
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Like occidental culture, in Japan, brides have to wear white from head to toe. This surprised me a lot as I thought that as they have an oriental culture, there dresses should be different than ours. Interesting fact, right?
Jamaica
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You won’t believe this! In Jamaica, all the villagers decide if the bride is well dressed or not. They wait in a row for her to appear. If most or the comments are negative, she leaves the place and makes a second try to look better.
Czechoslovakia
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Fertility is a quite important thing in this country which seems the same as in others. However, an infant is placed in the couple’s bed before the ceremony so that it enhance their fertility.
Norway
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To kill evil spirits, brides wear a silver and gold crown that has little charms. These little charms, when the bride moves, make different noises that are supposed to kill the spirits.
Russia
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If you thought that Italy was the only country where eating was one of the most important traditions, check this one out. In Russia, newly married couples usually eat a kind of sweetbread in their wedding day. The one that takes the biggest bite, is considered the head of the family. This is crazy, I mean how can this little thing determinate who of them is “the head of the family”? Pretty weird, right?
Niger
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In this country, seriousness is not allowed! In their wedding receptions, they have a camel dance in the desert that is actually, guess what? Yes, it is done by real camels. The animal dances while all the wedding guests surround it.
Philippines
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In this country, the couple is used to letting a pair of white doves free. This is a beautiful thing! They let them fly representing a harmonious life. Not only poetic but romantic too. Just think of it, amazing.
Cuba
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This one is one of my favorites. In Cuba, everyone helps paying the wedding. It sounds pretty rational to me, I mean, what could be better than helping somebody you love? Well, anyway, it’s not EVERYONE though only every man who dances with the bride.
Venezuela
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This can perhaps sound disrespectful, however, it’s a tradition for newly married couples sneaking away before the party’s over. It’s apparently something that will bring god luck for them and for whoever catches them leaving the place.
Mongolia
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Before setting their wedding date, they must kill a baby chicken and cut it into pieces until finding a healthy liver. If you're not fond of killing or if you're fond of chicks it may be a bit traumatic. This tradition is on the decline, and now it's only done symbolically.
China
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China’s brides are the fanciest ones from all over the world. Why? Well, check this out. They change their dress for each part of the wedding. Starting with the aisle formal dress, changing into the reception one and ending up with the cocktail dress! Can you believe it? Amazing, three dresses!
Ireland
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When both groom and bride dance in Irish wedding, the tradition is to keep their feet on the floor at all times. If they don’t do so, evil fairies will come and take the bride. This is so scary and makes dancing quite a deal.... as well as a challenge!
India
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Not exactly in their wedding day but before it, it is common for brides to gather with friends and get henna tattoos that last two weeks. I feel like this tradition is great! Not only because henna tattoos are not permanent and still beautiful but because you don’t need any jewelry or other accessory for the wedding day! Everything’s already fixed up by the bride.
Germany
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After the wedding day, the newly married couple have to cut in half a large log with a saw. This is a tradition that shows the ability to work together in overcoming obstacles (which seems awkwardly graphic, right?) It sounds like a lot of work, but it's a sweet tradition.
Sweden
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Don’t read this one if you are the jealous type! In Sweden, every time the bride or the groom leaves the table, anyone invited can go and steal a kiss from them. Imagine, if one invited is an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend? Of course guests usually steal kisses on the cheek so it's all good.