Nearly every country and culture has it’s own unique collection of wedding customs and tradition and according to tradition, following these wedding customs is believed to lead to good luck, fortune and an ever-lasting love with your significant other.
Whether you are planning a multicultural wedding or are looking for inspiration for unique wedding ideas steeped in culture and meaning continue reading to explore some of the most captivating wedding traditions from around the world.
1. THE VIBRANT HALDI CEREMONY FROM INDIA
In Indian weddings, the Haldi ceremony is a significant pre-wedding event. It involves applying a paste made from turmeric, sandalwood, and other ingredients to the bride and groom. This ritual is believed to bless the couple and protect them from any evil eye. This ceremony is not just a ritual but a joyful gathering, often accompanied by music, dance, and laughter.
2. THE ROMANTIC LOVE LOCKS TRADITION FROM FRANCE
A relatively modern tradition that originated in Paris, couples engrave their names on padlocks, attach them to a bridge, and throw the keys into the river. This symbolises their unbreakable love and commitment to one another. While attaching locks to public structures may not be practical or environmentally friendly, couples can adapt this tradition by creating a love lock display at their wedding venue, where guests can also participate by attaching their own locks.
3. THE JOYFUL MONEY DANCE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, the money dance is a popular tradition where guests pin money onto the clothes of the newlyweds. This is believed to bring good fortune, financial prosperity, and a strong bond to the couple. Adopting this custom can be a fun way to involve guests in the celebration. It's also a practical way to receive a monetary gift that can be used for the honeymoon or starting your life together.
4. THE SYMBOLIC TREE PLANTING CEREMONY FROM AUSTRALIA
In Australian aboriginal culture, couples plant a tree together during their wedding ceremony. This act symbolises the growth and strength of their relationship, much like a tree growing and strengthening over time. Embracing this tradition can add a meaningful and eco-friendly element to your wedding. It represents the nurturing and growth of your relationship, while also contributing positively to the environment.
5. THE CROWN THAT WARDS OFF EVIL SPIRITS FROM NORWAY
One Norwegian tradition states that the bride should wear a silver and gold crown that has small charms dangling all around it. When she moves, the tinkling sound is supposed to deflect evil spirits. These crowns are often family heirlooms passed down through generations, adding a layer of sentimental value to the accessory. Brides may wear a family crown, continuing a family tradition and expressing a deep connection to their roots. The crown is placed on the bride's head, often over a veil, by her bridesmaids or family members. The act of donning the crown symbolises the bride's transition into a new phase of life and her elevated status as the queen of her household.
6. THE PARTY BEFORE THE CEREMONY FROM LEBANON
In Lebanon, the wedding festivities, known as Zaffe, gets started with lively celebrations featuring music, belly dancing, and joyful shouts at the homes of the nearly weds. This energetic start is usually arranged by the couple's friends, family, and sometimes even professional dancers and musicians. The jubilant procession finishes at the bride's home, where blessings and flower petals shower the couple before they embark on their journey to the ceremony. For those looking to incorporate this tradition into a non-traditional wedding, the essence of a Zaffe can be maintained while adapting elements to suit a more contemporary setting.
In a non-traditional context, you may choose to infuse Zaffe-inspired elements into your celebration, such as incorporating lively music or dance performances during any pre-wedding occasions. Alternatively, you could incorporate the flower petal shower as a symbolic gesture within the wedding venue. The key lies in preserving the joyful spirit and communal involvement that define the Zaffe tradition while allowing flexibility for creative reinterpretation.
Incorporating traditions from around the world into your wedding can make your celebration even more special. It's like adding a unique and meaningful touch to your big day. Whether you go for a colourful ritual, a romantic gesture, a fun dance, or an eco-friendly ceremony, these customs can make your wedding experience richer and create memories that will last a lifetime.
It's a bit like taking a journey around the world without leaving your wedding venue! So, whether it's a lively dance from one country or a heartfelt gesture from another, these international touches can turn your wedding ceremony and day into a beautiful story of love and culture. It's a way of saying, "This is us, and this is our story."
Go ahead and weave some culture and the traditions that speak to you into your wedding and create a personalised and magical celebration that’s not only memorable but also meaningful too.
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