20 Unique and Strange Wedding Rituals from Around the World

Weddings are one of the most important celebrations in many cultures around the world. They are typically steeped in tradition and ritual, reflecting the values and beliefs of the community. While some of these rituals may seem strange or unusual to outsiders, they hold significant meaning to the people who observe them. Here are 20 strange wedding rituals from around the world:

1. Blackening the bride in Scotland:

In Scotland, the bride-to-be is covered in everything from feathers to syrup to molasses by friends and family a few days before the wedding. The goal is to make the bride-to-be look as unattractive as possible, so that evil spirits won't be tempted to steal her away.

2. Breaking glass in Jewish weddings:

In Jewish weddings, the couple breaks a glass by stamping on it with their foot. The breaking of the glass symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of valuing each moment.

3. Carrying the bride over the threshold in Western weddings:

This is a common tradition in Western weddings where the groom carries the bride over the threshold of their new home to symbolize his role as her protector and provider.

4. Crying wedding in China:

In some parts of China, the bride's family will stage a fake crying session to show their reluctance to let their daughter go. The groom's family then has to offer gifts or money to compensate for the loss.

5. Handfasting in Celtic weddings:

Handfasting is a Celtic tradition where the bride and groom's hands are tied together with ribbons or cords during the ceremony, symbolizing the couple's union.

6. Jumping the broom in African-American weddings:

This tradition dates back to the days of slavery in the United States when African-American couples were not allowed to legally marry. Jumping the broom symbolizes sweeping away the old and embracing a new life together.

7. Kanyadaan in Hindu weddings:

In Hindu weddings, the father of the bride performs Kanyadaan, which involves giving away his daughter to the groom. This is considered one of the most important rituals in a Hindu wedding and symbolizes the transfer of responsibility from the father to the husband.

8. La vat in Armenian weddings:

La vat is a traditional Armenian wedding game where the groom has to prove his worth by lifting the bride up with one arm. This is meant to demonstrate his strength and ability to care for his wife.

9. Money dance in Filipino weddings:

In Filipino weddings, the Money Dance is a tradition where guests line up to dance with the couple and pin money on their clothing. The money collected is meant to help the couple start their life together.

10. Jumping over the broom in Wiccan weddings:

In Wiccan weddings, the couple jumps over a broom as part of the ceremony. The broom symbolizes sweeping away the old and making room for the new.

11. Oonjal in Tamil weddings:

In Tamil weddings, the couple sits on a swing and is swung back and forth by friends and family. The swinging symbolizes the ups and downs of life and the couple's willingness to face them together.

12. Parental blessings in Korean weddings:

In Korean weddings, the bride and groom pay respects to their parents by bowing and presenting them with gifts. This is a way of acknowledging the love and support they have received from their families.

13. Quaich ceremony in Scottish weddings:

The Quaich ceremony is a Scottish wedding tradition where the bride and groom drink from a small cup called a Quaich, symbolizing their commitment to sharing their lives and supporting each other. The couple may also make a toast to their families and guests, expressing their gratitude and appreciation.

14. Rice throwing in Thai weddings:

In Thai weddings, guests throw rice at the couple as they leave the ceremony. The rice is meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds.

15. Sadiquah in Middle Eastern weddings:

Sadiquah is a traditional Middle Eastern wedding ritual where the bride and groom exchange vows in front of witnesses. The witnesses then sign a document to officially record the union.

16. Tea ceremony in Chinese weddings:

The tea ceremony is a traditional Chinese wedding ritual where the couple serves tea to their parents and other important relatives. The tea symbolizes respect and gratitude, and the ceremony is meant to show the couple's appreciation for their families.

17. Throwing the bouquet at Western weddings:

This is a common tradition in Western weddings where the bride throws her bouquet to the unmarried women in attendance. The woman who catches the bouquet is said to be the next to marry.

18. Tossing the garter in Western weddings:

In a similar fashion, the groom removes the bride's garter and tosses it to the unmarried men in attendance. The man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry.

19. Unity candles in Christian weddings:

In Christian weddings, the couple may light a unity candle to symbolize their union. This is often done during the ceremony and the couple may keep the candle as a memento of their special day.

20. Wedding shoes in Vietnamese weddings:

At Vietnamese weddings, the bride and groom change into special wedding shoes, usually made of red silk, to symbolize their union. The shoes are meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple as they embark on their life together.

These 20 strange wedding rituals highlight the diversity and rich cultural heritage of weddings around the world. Whether they involve breaking glass, serving tea, or jumping over a broom, these rituals are important to the couples and families who observe them, and they help make each wedding a unique and meaningful celebration.