Weddings are more than just ceremonies. They are expressions of culture and community. Around the world, couples mark their unions with strikingly diverse rituals that celebrate love, family, and tradition.
Here’s a look at 12 fascinating wedding customs.
1. Jumping the broom: African Diaspora
In the African Diaspora, couples “jump the broom” to symbolize sweeping away the past and leaping together into a new life. Rooted in Asante and other West African traditions, the ritual became an act of cultural reclamation among enslaved Africans in America and remains a powerful symbol of unity today.
2. Haldi ceremony: India
Before the wedding day, Indian brides and grooms participate in the Haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied to their skin by loved ones. The yellow spice is believed to purify and give the couple a radiant glow. It’s an intimate pre-wedding ritual marked by color and blessings for prosperity and protection.
3. Henna night: Morocco
Moroccan brides celebrate with a Henna night, where intricate henna designs are painted on their hands and feet. The patterns are meant to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It is also a vibrant celebration of womanhood, often featuring traditional music and dance.
4. Money dance: Nigeria and the Philippines
In Nigeria, guests shower the dancing couple with money, a joyful way to wish them prosperity and good fortune. A similar “money dance” tradition in the Philippines involves pinning cash onto the bride’s or groom’s attire as they dance, symbolizing good fortune and communal support.
5. Tea ceremony: China
The Chinese tea ceremony is one of the most honored wedding rituals, where the couple serves tea to their parents and elders as a gesture of respect and gratitude, and introduces the bride and groom to each other’s families. In return, the elders present jewelry or red envelopes with money, symbolizing blessings for the marriage.
6. La Tornaboda (after party): Mexico
The La Tornaboda is a smaller get-together held after wedding receptions in Mexico, which are exclusive to family and close friends. If the party takes place the next day, this time is also used to open gifts and celebrate the couple in a more personal way.
7. Breaking bread: Greece
In Greek Orthodox weddings, the couple may share a piece of bread and wine, symbolizing unity and shared life. The couple pulls on the bread to see who gets the larger piece, with the winner earning the title of “breadwinner.” During the reception, guests also join in joyful circle dances, such as the Kalamatianos, celebrating togetherness and abundance.
8. Log cutting: Germany
In a symbolic act of teamwork, German newlyweds saw a log in half at their wedding. The Baumstamm sägen tradition demonstrates the couple’s ability to face life’s challenges together.
9. Handfasting: Ireland and Scotland
Dating back to Celtic traditions, handfasting involves tying ribbons or cords around the couple’s joined hands to symbolize their bond. It’s where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from, marking an ancient promise of love and loyalty.
10. Crowning ceremony: Eastern Orthodox (Greece, Russia, Serbia)
During the Orthodox Christian wedding ceremony, crowns or wreaths are placed upon the heads of the bride and groom to symbolize glory and their new “kingdom” of family. A ribbon, representing unity, often connects the crowns.
11. Khan Maak procession: Thailand
The Khan Maak profession takes place to kick off the engagement portion of the wedding before the actual wedding ceremony happens. The groom leads the parade to the bride’s house, accompanied by musicians playing traditional long drums.
12. Carrying the bride over the threshold: Europe and the U.S.
This tradition has roots in Medieval Europe, where many believed that a bride was vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. Today, it’s a romantic gesture symbolizing protection and the start of a shared life. The groom carries the bride over the threshold, bringing her into their new home together, marking the beginning of their married life.
