TRADITIONS OF LOVE ACROSS THE WORLD

MULTICULTURAL WEDDINGS

BY MEGAN ZINGER

There are many unique ways that different cultures celebrate weddings and say “I Do.” However, the beautiful part about a wedding is, no matter what the tradition is, it’s the celebration of love and the joining of two souls. Here is a list of interesting traditions from a few countries around the globe.

China

In China, brides typically walk down the aisle in an embroidered, slim-fitting traditional dress called “cheongsam,” also known as “qipao.” The bride will then change into a gown for the reception. And it doesn’t end there. Chinese brides will change into a third and final cocktail dress for the night. Red and gold colors can be seen dispersed throughout a Chinese wedding. Red symbolizes love, prosperity, fertility, success, happiness, honor and loyalty, whereas gold symbolizes wealth.

India

Before the wedding, it is tradition for the Indian bride and her closest female friends to have their hands and feet painted with henna, a type of dye made from a plant, in detailed designs at something called a Mehndi ceremony. Fun fact, it is common for the bride to hide her partner’s name within the design and have them try and find it later — believing this will reflect patience to come in their marriage. The groom’s arrival at an Indian wedding is a celebration within itself called “vara yatra” or “baarat” based on the region. It is a mini-parade that includes dancing, music, a special rice toss called “akshat,” and the groom wearing a garland and carrying a lit lamp called “arati.”

Norway

A Norwegian tradition for the bride is to wear a beautiful ornate silver and gold crown with small charms hanging off of it. Tradition says that the sound of the charms clinking around is supposed to deter evil spirits. Norwegian weddings do not have typical wedding cakes. Instead, they serve a special-occasion cake called “kransekake.” It consists of iced almond cake rings stacked from largest to smallest, giving it a cone shape. Often a wine bottle is placed in the center of the cake due to its unique shaping.

Brazil

Brazilian brides and grooms only have one wedding ring, unlike in America, where an elaborate proposal usually ends with a diamond engagement ring. In Brazil, the couple makes a mutual decision to get married and buy the rings together, typically just a band. The rings are worn on the right hand during the engagement, not the left. And during the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom make the switch to their left hands to signify the shift from engaged to marriage.

Mexico

During the ceremony at a Mexican wedding, a flower and rosary beaded “lazo” (lasso) is placed around the necks of the bride and groom in a figure-eight shape. The tradition says that “el lazo” signifies the couple’s union. The figure-eight shape also represents the infinity symbol and is a sign of long-lasting marriage.

Turkey

The Turkish flag, consisting of a red crescent and star, is typically placed outside the groom’s home by his friends the day he is supposed to wed. Then, depending on the region, certain items are placed on top of the flag, signifying the ceremony has begun.

Germany

Once married, newlyweds in Germany are presented with a tree log and saw. Then, together, the couple works to saw the log in half, representing their ability to work together and overcome obstacles.

Philippines

Filipino couples are served a type of sticky rice cake called “kalamay.” The rice cakes are wrapped in palm leaves are meant to symbolize the couple sticking together through their marriage.

Nigeria

The breaking of a kola nut signifies the start of traditional events for many tribes in Nigeria. It is also a way for the elders to welcome the guests. The kola nut must first be blessed before being broken into many pieces then handed out.

Russia

A delicious Russian tradition is sharing “karavay,” a sweetbread with interlocking rings to symbolize faithfulness, and wheat to symbolize prosperity. The tradition says whoever takes the biggest bite with no hands will be considered the head of the family.

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