Love is a universal language, but every culture has its own unique ways of expressing it!
From the color of the dress to the deep rooted bridal practices , we gathered up wedding traditions from fifteen different countries that range from romantic to truly bizarre!
1. Korea: Beating The Groom With Dead Fish!
If you ever get invited to a wedding in a South Korea, don't be surprised to witness the groom's feet getting beaten by dead fish and bamboo sticks, as a way to prepare him for the first night of marriage!
We warned you, so you don't suspect something fishy happening.
2. China: A Full Month Of Tears Before The Big Day!
Brides-to-be in China schedule an hour of crying everyday for a month before their wedding. If you're a weeping lover, you can join her as well! In fact ,other female relatives and friends are allowed to cry along, and reinforce the welcoming of a good marriage. But wait, that's not all! Drop the traditional white gown and bring on a flashy red dress for your Chinese wedding. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes good luck, prosperity and happiness.
3. Congo: No Smiling Game On!
People known for their resting poker faces will appreciate this tradition.
So what exactly is required in some Congo weddings? The answer is simple: No smiling & no grinning. The bride and groom are not allowed to smile, not even once. Smiling at weddings indicates that they are not serious about their wedding.
4. Germany: Talk about a smashing good time!
You don't have to throw a Big Fat Greek Wedding to smash plates, Germans do a whole lot of smashing on their wedding day as well. It all starts when guests attend the wedding with porcelain, and smash them as soon the celebration kicks off to ward off evil spirits. Sounds all fun and games right? Not really! In German traditions, the bride and groom are expected to clean up the mess, as a sign of their strong bond in overcoming any challenge or obstacle.
5. Romania: Bride Got Kidnapped!
Brides in Romania are often getting kidnapped as a common prank before their big day. The mission is usually accomplished by either a family member, friends, or even a hired fake kidnapper to kidnap the bride. What's next? Well, the groom needs to pay a ransom or buy drinks for the kidnapper to get his wife-to-be back!
6. Italy: Time To Train Your Vocals!
'La Serenata', is an Italian tradition where the groom heads beneath the bride's window with a group of musicians and serenades the night before the wedding. The bride lowers down a basket full of gifts such as bread and cheese as a sign of acceptance of the groom's proposal. Move aside Romeo and Juliet!
7. Venezuela: The Missing Couple.
If the bride and groom are called out missing in Venezuela during the wedding, no need to panic! After doing some research, it seems that it's a sign of good luck for the bride and groom to sneak away from their big day without being caught. But the first to notice their disappearance is said to be showered with great luck as well!
8. Chile: Ring That Bell.
Its no surprise that Chilean weddings include a whole lot of ringing and kissing. But hey, the couple's not complaining! Brass bells are placed on the guests' tables and each time someone rings the bell, the couple are expected to kiss! Imagine a grandeur Chilean wedding, the couple must come prepared to be showered in kisses!
9. Lebanon: Lets Stick That Dough
In Baalbeck city in Lebanon, brides stick a piece of dough on the door of their new house. If the dough sticks well and remains into place, it's a sign of a happy ,prosperous and successful marriage. Better add a whole lot of oil to that dough!
10. Iraq: Single Ladies, Rejoice!
If you're single and ready to mingle, attending an Iraqi wedding could be the first step of your happily ever after. It is said that single ladies who write their names on the back of the bride's shoes, the universe will respond and swing the perfect groom in their direction.
11. Egypt: Pinch The Bride
Incase the Iraqi tradition didn't work great in your favor, Egyptians have got you covered! In Egypt, and just after the bride is dressed up, all single women surround her and pinch her knee. They say that this act improves their chances of finding a life partner at the party.
12. Cuba: A Dance With A Price
Attending a wedding in Cuba? Better prepare a budget if you're willing to dance with the bride! Every man who dances with the Cuban bride is obliged to pin money into her dress. This is considered a way to help the couple pay for their wedding and honeymoon trip.
13. Kenya: A Whale Tooth
In Kenya, the groom must present to the father of the bride a whale tooth before getting engaged to his daughter! Imagine whale teeth being sold completely out of the market, it means someone's gotta level up his hunting skills!
14. India: The Missing Shoe
The ritual goes as follows :the Bride and Groom’s family play mischievous roles ; The bride side of the family try to steal the groom's footwear while the groom side of the family try to rescue them back .
15. Sweden: If You're The Jealous Type, Skip This
As a guest , you might get lucky enough to plant a kiss on the bride or groom's cheeks! If the groom leaves the room, then other men in the wedding are allowed to approach the bride and kiss the bride on the cheek ! Similarly , if the bride leaves the room for any reason , women attendees will have the chance to kiss the groom on the cheek in the absence of his wife. You better stay at that table if you're the jealous type!
