Almost every culture around the world has some form of marriage ceremony. A lot of these ceremonies have their own unique twists, quirks and traditions, many of which are still followed to this day. If you’re thinking about incorporating some interesting global wedding ideas into your day, take a look at our pick of the weirdest and most original traditions out there.
Confetti
The confetti we know today started out life in a very different form. As @ConfettiWedding explains, “In Italian, “confetti” doesn’t mean scraps of paper to be thrown, but rather sugary treats, particularly sugared almonds, that wedding guests receive as favours at the reception.” You can continue this tradition by giving guests small packets of sugared almonds as favours or having bowls of sugared almonds on the tables for guests to enjoy. Colour your almonds to match your wedding décor to create a fantastic, unified look for your big day.
Log cutting
In Germany, couples are immediately put to work cutting wood after they say their I Dos. The bride and groom prove their bond by sawing a log in half in front of their guests. Completing the task successfully is supposed to show just how well the couple can work together to achieve their goals. If you’re wearing an expensive gown for your wedding, this is one tradition you may want to sidestep.
Giving a goose
Traditionally, Korean grooms gift their new mother-in-laws wild geese or ducks on their wedding day. These birds are naturally monogamous, and the gift is supposed to demonstrate the groom’s pure intentions towards his new wife. These days, with wild geese and ducks a little hard to catch, couples have taken to exchanging wooden carvings of the animals as a token of their commitment.
A blackening
While the tradition of a hen or stag do is relatively recent, the Scots have been making the most of the bride and groom’s last night of freedom for generations. Traditionally, one or both of the lucky couple would be taken out the day before their wedding and plied with alcohol. They would then be covered in treacle, ash, feathers and flour by their friends and family. As well as being a bit of fun, this was done in order to ward off evil spirits and bring the couple good luck.
Spitting on the bride
If you thought having confetti thrown over your freshly done hair and expensive gown was bad, spare a thought for brides in Kenya who are spat at as they leave their village. Traditionally, it’s the father of the bride that does the spitting. It’s thought that by dousing her head and chest, he will avoid jinxing the couple’s good fortune and get their married life off to a good start.
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