Joanna James
Weddings are such joyous moments, so it is not a surprise that wedding is referred to as the "big day". All around the world, the wedding is done differently, with different cultures, traditions and faiths. Here's a couple of examples!
Indian weddings are by far the most glamorous! Brides are adorned in beautiful traditional attire and donned with lovely pieces of jewellery. Indian weddings last in between three to almost seven days! A unique Indian custom you're bound to see is the bride, her friends and relatives receiving henna designs on her hands the day before the wedding! These celebrations are bright and colourful.
Traditionally, in Italy, guests shower the new couple with candied almonds! Five almonds are thought to bring health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity. So, don't be shocked the next time you see colourful candied almonds at a wedding in Italy!
A traditional wedding cake in Norway is known as 'kransekake' and is made by placing several different sized cake rings on top of each other to form the shape of a cone. The best part about wedding cakes in Norway is that the centre of the cake is hollow, usually containing a bottle of champagne or wine! Another tradition related to the cake is having the bride and groom pick up the top ring of the cake, however many layers stick to it underneath are the number of kids the couple will have!
The strength of a newly wedding couple is tested in German weddings, quite literally! The couple, still wearing their wedding attire, have to sometimes cut a log in half – a tradition known as Baumstamm Sagen. The tradition is meant to symbolize how the couple will go on to work together, despite the obstacles they may face in their marriage.
Traditional Sinhalese weddings in Sri Lanka have a 'poruwa ceremony' before the wedding reception, and this ceremony is meant to happen at an extremely auspicious time and day. The ceremony takes place in a Poruwa – a beautifully decorated wooden platform. You're likely to witness this lovely tradition at several of the wedding hotels in Kandy, the likes of Earls Regent.
In Nigeria, during weddings, it is customary for the guests to shower and toss bills at the bride and groom! This is a gesture meant to show the couple how happy the guests are and to keep them on the dance floor!
This tradition in China is meant to bond families together. Historically, the bride serves tea to her family before and after the ceremony and the couple would perform the tea ceremony together for the groom's family. Nowadays, however, tea ceremonies are typically given to honour both the families at once and are done rather privately, either after the wedding, the day after the wedding or in between the wedding ceremony and reception with all guests in presence.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
