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Various cultures celebrate this special occasion with unique customs, some of which may seem unusual to outsiders.
From Germany’s ritual of breaking dishes at the newlyweds’ home to the Indian practice of mischievously snatching the groom’s shoes on his wedding day. (Representational image)
The wedding day holds immense significance for brides, grooms, and their families, marking a lifelong commitment to one another. Across the globe, various cultures celebrate this special occasion with unique customs, some of which may seem unusual to outsiders. Here are some surprising wedding traditions from around the world, from Germany’s ritual of breaking dishes at the newlyweds’ home to the Indian practice of mischievously snatching the groom’s shoes on his wedding day.
Kidnapping the bride
It used to be common for men to abduct a woman of their choosing and force her to marry them in Kyrgyzstan. This custom, which was followed with or without the woman’s permission, is no longer permitted.It’s interesting to note that a similar custom existed in some regions of Bihar where the woman’s family would forcibly abduct a man they thought would be fit to marry their daughter or sister. After that, the abducted groom would be compelled to wed the woman.
Getting the bride blackened
In some parts of Scotland, the bride and groom’s friends somewhat “embarrass the soon-to-be pair by sprinkling them with flour and soot” just before their wedding. According to their culture, a couple can successfully navigate life’s challenges and marriage together if they can withstand this and remain together.
Breaking dishes
There is a strange custom in Germany that supposedly helps new couples bond and learn about teamwork. Guests break plates and ceramics at the couple’s married residence after the wedding. They think that this will be lucky for the newlyweds. Following the visitors’ departure, the pair has to tidy up the house, which in a sense represents teamwork—a skill that is crucial for a marriage to succeed in the long run.
Stealing the groom’s shoes
Although most Hindu weddings are extravagant affairs, one of the enjoyable customs is stealing the groom’s shoes on the wedding day. It is customary for the bride’s female cousins to take the groom’s shoes, known as jootis, during the wedding ceremony. They only return the shoes after negotiating a fair price with the groom. This amusing custom fosters a cordial relationship between the groom and the bride’s sisters.
Father spits on the bride
If you attend a wedding in Kenya, you should not be surprised if the bride’s father “spits on her dress” for good fortune. In Kenya, “spitting on someone is considered a respectful gesture by the Maasai people.” It is believed the “spit is intended in good faith and will bless the marital bond.”
Bride practices a crying ritual
In some regions of China, the bride is expected to practice crying, even though it’s normal to cry a little at a wedding ceremony. Tujia brides are supposed to cry for an hour every day for a month before the ceremony. Her mother joins her 10 days into the ceremony, and the bride’s grandma follows ten days later. The custom, known as Zuo Tang in the western Sichuan region, originated during the Warring States period in China when a Zhao princess’s mother sobbed during her wedding.