Imagine a kaleidoscope of love stories swirling around the world, each one more enchanting than the last.
In Italy, couples exchange vows amidst ancient olive groves, their promises whispered amid the sweet scent of blossoming citrus trees. In Brazil, the air is electric with samba rhythms as newlyweds sway under a cascade of colorful ribbons, their hearts beating to the pulse of carnival.
From the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii, where lovers exchange leis and promises as gentle waves serenade their commitment, to the cobblestone streets of Spain, where flamenco dancers spin around fiery courtyards, every tradition is a love letter to passion and romance, painting the world with the hues of eternal devotion.
Let’s have a deep romantic sigh at some of these marriage ceremony practices from around the world.
CHINESE TEA CEREMONY: In Chinese culture, the tea ceremony is an essential part of the wedding. The couple serves tea to their parents and other elders as a sign of respect and to seek their blessings.
HINDU WEDDING: Hindu weddings are rich in traditions and rituals. They typically include the exchange of garlands, the circling of the sacred fire (agni), and the application of sindoor (vermillion) on the bride’s forehead.
JEWISH CHUPPAH: In a Jewish wedding, the couple stands under a chuppah (canopy) symbolizing their new home together. The ceremony includes the exchange of rings and breaking a glass to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
SCOTTISH HANDFASTING: Handfasting is a Scottish and Celtic tradition where the couple’s hands are bound together with a ribbon or cord, symbolizing their commitment. It’s the origin of the term “tying the knot.”
JAPANESE SAKE CEREMONY: In a traditional Japanese wedding, the couple drinks sake from three different-sized cups, symbolizing the bond between them and their families.
FILIPINO COINS: In the Philippines, it is customary to have a “coins ceremony” where the groom gives 13 coins to the bride, symbolizing his promise to support her and their future family.
POLISH BREAD AND SALT: In Polish weddings, the bride and groom are presented with bread and salt by their parents. The bread represents prosperity, and the salt represents the difficulties in life.
YORUBA JUMPING THE BROOM: In African-American and Yoruba culture, couples “jump the broom” together to symbolize their entrance into a new phase of life.
MAORI HAKA: In Maori weddings, a haka dance is sometimes performed by the groom, bride, and guests as a way to celebrate the union and show their commitment.
SWEDISH WEDDING COINS: Swedish tradition involves the bride receiving three gold coins from her groom, symbolizing his commitment and providing for her.
KOREAN PYEBAEK: After a Korean wedding ceremony, a pyebaek is held, where the newlyweds bow to their parents and offer them dates and chestnuts to symbolize fertility.
MEXICAN LASSO CEREMONY: In Mexican weddings, a “lazo” or wedding lasso is placed around the couple’s shoulders in the form of an “8” to symbolize eternity.
RUSSIAN BREAD AND SALT: In Russian weddings, bread and salt are presented to the couple. The bread symbolizes prosperity, and the salt represents the difficulties they may face.
NAVAJO WEDDING BASKET: In Navajo culture, a wedding basket is used to carry important items during the ceremony, and it symbolizes the support of the community.
