10 extremely strange wedding traditions around the world
Wedding is much more than throwing the bouquet, scandalously removing
the garter, the couple’s first dance, the cutting of the cake, and the
life-affirming moment that the Electric Slide begins. These are all
wedding traditions that most of us know and love. Wedding may be a
universal celebration, but for some it’s an unbelievable crazy
adventure.Around the world, wedding traditions are a little bit different: Some
of them are heartwarmingly romantic, and some of them are a little
strange, and some of them might make you a little bit uncomfortable.
Check out these 10 love and marriage customs from around the globe.It can be gross, confusing or terrifying. Imagine shooting the bride or marrying a banana tree. How’s that for a wedding?
The Blackening of the Bride
In Scotland, there is a particularly nasty pre-wedding tradition that
involves the bride and groom being pelted with food trash, including
rotten eggs and fish. The Scots believe that if a couple can withstand
this, their marriage can withstand anything.
The Bridesmaid Blockade
In China, when a groom comes to get his bride, he must first break
through an aggressive wall of her angry bridesmaids. The bridesmaids
demand money from him, and put him through a series of silly
performances and tasks – all meant to prove just how strong his love
really is.
The Courting Hut
Some African tribes allow women to enter a “courting hut” so they can
hang out with potential spouses away from the prying eyes of their
parents – and the rest of the village.
The Bridal Kidnapping
In Krygyzstan, an old adage claims that tears on a wedding day will
make for a happy marriage. Until 1991 (when it was finally made illegal)
many parents would consent to the marriage of a kidnapped young girl,
especially if she was crying.
The Graveside Wedding
In an average display of somberness and seriousness, many Russians
choose to be married at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
The Love Without Bathroom Breaks
In Borneo, one tribe does not allow newlyweds to leave their homes
during their wedding day, not even to go to the bathroom. Like most odd
traditions, it is said to bring the couple good luck.
The Gerewol Festival for the Ladies
In Niger, men have to dress in elaborate costumes and perform for
their potential mates. When the performance is over, the women get to
choose the man they like best.
Beating the groom’s feet: Korea
Korean tradition dictates that the groom has his feet beaten with
fish or a cane before his first night as a married man. It can be
painful but it’s over quickly and more fun than cruel. This is supposed
to make sure the groom doesn’t disappoint on his wedding night.
The Questionable Mate-Grabbing
In some gypsy groups, there is a controversial tradition that
involves male suitors to grab a girl and start forcefully kissing her.
It might be love – or it just might be an unwanted assault.
Spitting on the Bride: Massai nation, Kenya
At a Massai wedding, the father of the bride blesses his daughter by
spitting on her head and breasts. She then leaves the village with her
husband and does not look back for fear of turning into stone.