Wedding Traditions around the World
November 8th, 2006 Posted in Wedding Planning and IdeasThe world is a small place. Love has no boundaries. Together, these two statements create many international romances. International love can add excitement and diversity to a relationship, but it can also create several problems, especially when it comes to weddings. Many couples find themselves pondering which cultural traditions to incorporate into the ceremony. With numerous wedding traditions throughout the world, ceremonies are more and more multicultural in nature. Even couples from the same country often look to other cultures for unique ceremony ideas. Described below are a few wedding traditions rooted in
Italy
During the reception the groom’s neck tie is often cut into smaller pieces and sold to guests. The profits go toward the honeymoon.
Considered unlucky, the bride does not wear any gold on her wedding day until the ring is placed on her finger.
The luckiest day of the week to be wed is Sunday.
No surprise here! Traditional Italian food is a very important part of the reception, nearly as important as the ceremony itself. Numerous courses are served to the guests, complete with wine and beverages. After the meal, guests enjoy delicious wedding cake served with coffee or expresso.
Japan
Red is a lucky color. A reception hall decorated in red brings joy to all and luck to the newlyweds.
Those who wish to follow tradition marry in a Shinto Shrine, just as their ancestors did. Part of the ceremony involves the couple drinking Japanese rice wine. The bride drinks first from a small cup. She then passes it to the groom. After drinking from the same cup three times each, they have demonstrated their promise of dedication to one another.
It is common for the bride to change her attire several times throughout the evening.
During the vows, the two families face each other, representing not only a bonding of the couple, but also of the two families.