Picture a wedding and you might think of bridal gowns and bouquets – but what about a sawing log? Or receiving ducks? Every culture has its own way of tying the knot, so we’ve compiled some of the most unusual traditions from around the globe.
1 South Korea
Traditionally, the groom gives his new mother-in-law ducks or geese to show his fidelity – since both of these birds mate for life. The live ducks have since been replaced by wooden ones, which are exchanged by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony.
2 India
The bride and groom remove their shoes before entering the mandap – a canopied structure – where the priest marries the couple. The bride’s sister or cousins then steal the groom’s shoes. He ransoms them back so that he leaves the mandap wearing the shoes he arrived in. the origin is unknown, but ancient weddings were held in temples – the groom would have had to remove his shoes before entering.
3 Denmark
During the reception, the groom is hoisted in the air by the male guests. Taking a pair of scissors, one of them then cuts off the end of one of the groom’s socks. Thos represents the fidelity of the groom to his new bride by clipping his ‘frierfødder’ – the foot her proposed with.
4 Peru
Before it’s cut by the newlyweds, single female guests gather by the wedding cake and take hold of white ribbons protruding from it. Each of the girls pulls on their ribbon, and one will reveal a ring inside the cake. Whoever pulls the ring will be the next girl to get married.
5 Malaysia
After the wedding, members of the Tidong people are put under house arrest by friends and relatives who stop them from going to the toilet. If they break the taboo, it’s believed that the couple will be cursed with bad luck for the rest of their marriage.
6 Sweden
Each time either the bride of the groom leaves the room, the guests are allowed to steal a kiss from the remaining newlywed. If a guest starts banging their glass, the other guests join in and the bride and groom must kiss.
7 South Africa
During a traditional South African wedding, 12 symbolic items are incorporated into the ceremony: salt, pepper, wheat, wine, bitter herbs, a holy book, a broom, a spear, a spoon, honey, a shield and a pot. Each of these symbolise a challenge which the couple will need to overcome together during their married life.
8 Ireland
In the west of Ireland, young men disguised in straw costumes and hats visit weddings to dance with the bride, sing and tell jokes. Their presence is believed to bring luck and good fortune. The tradition is undergoing a revival today.
9 Germany
Using a two-person saw, the newlyweds work together to cut through a large wooden log, which represents the first obstacle they will overcome together. With friends and family cheering them on, the couple demonstrates their teamwork, and strength to master the challenges that life will throw at them.
Are you planning on tying the knot soon? What traditions will you be incorporating into your big-day?
Stats and info courtesy of Cheapflights
Looking for more advice when in comes to planning your big-day? Here’s what you need to know about capturing all your special moments and if you’re confused by wedding jargon, then you need to read this.
