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"You may now... steal my wife." Unique wedding traditions from around the world
Wedding
Doreen
February 10, 2023
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Almost every wedding is rooted in age-old traditions. Think about exchanging wedding rings, wearing a white dress, walking down the aisle, or tossing the bridal bouquet at the end of the evening. While these customs may seem universal, there are surprising and sometimes bizarre traditions worldwide that make weddings even more unique.
Curious about quirky and fascinating wedding rituals from other countries? Read on to discover a mix of cultural practices that might bring a smile to your face or make you think twice. Which tradition would you consider for your own wedding?
Denmark: Don’t look at your wedding dress
One of the most unique traditions comes from Denmark. Here, it is believed that the bride must not see her wedding dress before the big day. If she does, each stitch in the dress symbolizes a tear she will shed during her marriage. This tradition combines the element of surprise with a touch of superstition.
Germany: Shards bring good luck
In Germany, the night before the wedding, families come together to celebrate Polterabend. During this event, they smash porcelain dishes, and the engaged couple must clean up the mess together. The idea? Shards bring good luck, and cleaning together symbolizes teamwork in marriage. It’s a beautiful way to start with a clean slate before tying the knot!
Hungary and Romania: Bride-napping
An old tradition from Hungary and Romania is both amusing and a little dramatic: the bride is “kidnapped” by friends and family of the couple. If the groom fails to rescue his bride, it’s seen as a sign that he isn’t worthy of her hand. Today, it’s often a playful game designed to add some excitement to the celebration.
India: 5 days of festivities and a prince on a white horse
In India, a wedding celebration can last up to five days. Although the actual ceremony may only take a few hours, the festivities are grand and vibrant. In Northern India, it’s customary for the groom to arrive at the wedding on a beautifully decorated horse, accompanied by friends and family singing, dancing, and setting off fireworks. Who wouldn’t want a prince on a (white) horse and days of celebration?
Italy: Snip, snip, there goes the tie!
During Italian weddings, the groom’s tie is often cut into small pieces. Male friends of the couple then sell these pieces to raise money for the honeymoon. This means grooms might want to avoid splurging on an expensive tie unless they’re ready to share it!
The Netherlands: Champagne cork under the pillow
Did you know there’s a Dutch tradition where the cork from the first champagne bottle opened at the wedding is placed under the bride’s pillow on the wedding night? This cork is said to bless the marriage with a good sex life. Whether it works or not is up to you to find out, but it’s worth a try—you never know!
What traditions inspire you?
Whether you choose to snip ties, clean shards, or dance for five days in Indian style, traditions add something special to a wedding. They reflect the culture, beliefs, and humor of a community, making a wedding an unforgettable experience. Which of these traditions would you try at your own wedding?
