Traditions are a big part of any culture. They are followed for many years, some of which hold superstitious beliefs. Yet, some hold deep significance and meaning and are wonderfully sweet, while others are unbelievably fun and exciting. We’ve found some cute and amusing traditions that we think are interesting. You could borrow a few of these traditions and have a unique wedding filled with memorable moments to last a lifetime.
Never Let You Go- The Wedding Lasso (Mexico)
Picture Courtesy: @blackvanillaphotography
This unity ceremony is performed right after the couple has exchanged vows. A lasso or rope is placed over the couple’s shoulders in a figure-eight or infinity form to symbolize their everlasting union. In Catholic weddings, a large rosary is used as the lasso to depict the union is bound together as one in the eyes of God. The El Lazo ceremony is similar to the lighting of the Unity Candle and the Celtic Handfasting ritual.
Tie The Knot… Literally- Pheras (India)
Pictures Courtesy: @whatknotin &@storiesbyjosephradhik
The Saat Phere or Saptapadi is a significant part of a traditional Hindu wedding where the bride and groom circle around the holy fire, usually seven times. These are the seven vows that bind the couple together as husband and wife, with a prayer to Lord Ganesh to give them strength to fight obstacles in their life. It is a sweet ritual that establishes friendship, unity, strength, and prosperity.
It’s Raining Money! The Money Dance (Cuba)
Picture Courtesy: @brettmatthewsgallery
The Money Dance is a tradition in many cultures, including Poland, Greece, Nigeria, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. It is also called the Dollar Dance, Money Spray, and Money Shower. Here, guests offer money to the newlyweds to dance with them or shower them with money. This custom is believed to help the pair establish a good life and show them love and appreciation.
Hide & Don’t Seek! An Irish Goodbye (Venezuela)
Picture Courtesy: @foreverphotographyny
Did somebody say, runaway bride? More like a runaway couple. In Venezuela, it is good luck for the newlyweds to slip out of their reception without being caught by any of their guests. We think this tradition is fun and exciting, and although it may seem a bit rude, it does sound appealing not to have to stand there listening to a relative’s chatter when you could be relaxing after a long day of celebrations.
I Loaf You More- The Karavai (Russia)
Picture Courtesy: @nessphotography
Karavai is a bread most often used in weddings. It is decorated with a wheat-ear wreath that symbolizes prosperity and rings that signify faithfulness. The bride and groom each bite into the sweetbread, and the one with the biggest bite is believed to “wear the pants” or have the upper hand in the relationship. Versions of this tradition are practiced in other Slavic countries too, like Poland and Bulgaria. Greek and Jewish traditions also include this ritual in their weddings.
Mad For Mead- Wedding Toast (Ireland)
Picture Courtesy: @meadist
The Irish are known for their love of drinking, so this tradition of toasting to the newlywed comes as no surprise. Mead or honey wine is a beverage made by fermenting honey with water. Considered an aphrodisiac, a generous amount is given to the bride and groom to toast for a whole month following the wedding to increase fertility and virility within one cycle of the moon. It is believed that this is where the term ‘Honeymoon’ comes from.
There Goes The Bride! Kidnapping The Bride (Romania)
Pictures Courtesy: @attekovacs_weddingphotographer
The Bride-napping custom of Romania is exactly what it sounds like. The bride is taken away from under the groom’s nose in the midst of the wedding party. The brides are ‘held hostage’ in exchange for whiskey bottles or a dramatic public declaration of love from the groom. It may sound like something really out there, but this totally harmless ritual is a fun way to add a little excitement.
For Better Or For Worse- Tasting The Four Elements (West Africa)
Picture Courtesy: @inspiredbystudio
Predominantly in Nigeria and other West African cultures, this ritual is how the couple promises their love, in sickness and health, for better or worse. The four tasting elements include vinegar, lemon, cayenne pepper, and honey, each chosen to represent the bitter, sour, hot, and sweet moments of a new life together.
These were a few traditions that we loved. Some more worth mentioning are the Polterbend or smashing of plates in Germany and the La Serenata in Italy when the groom surprises the bride outside her house and serenades her with dance and song the night before the wedding. In Greek Orthodox weddings, crowns are placed on the couple’s heads, connected by a ribbon to resemble their unity. In the Philipines, the couple releases a pair of white male and female doves that connote a long and peaceful life together.
Feature Image Credit: @philgosseau
