40 Bizarre Wedding Traditions From Across The World

40 Bizarre Wedding Traditions From Across The World

Weddings are a time for celebration and joy, but they can also be a time for bizarre traditions. From throwing shoes at the bride and groom to kidnapping the bride, there are some wedding traditions that are sure to make you scratch your head. In this article, we will explore 40 of the most bizarre wedding traditions from across the world. From the practical to the downright strange, these traditions will give you a glimpse into the unique cultures and customs of different countries.

1. Germany

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The bride and groom use chainsaws to cut a log. This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s ability to work together and overcome challenges. It is also said to represent the couple’s future together, as they will need to work together to build a strong foundation for their marriage.

2. Romania

The bride is kidnapped by the groom’s friends. The groom’s friends will kidnap the bride and take her to a secret location. The groom must then rescue her and pay a ransom. This tradition is said to test the bride’s strength and courage. It is also said to symbolize the groom’s willingness to fight for the woman he loves.

3. Italy

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The bride must wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. This tradition is said to bring the bride good luck in her marriage. The something old represents the bride’s past, the something new represents her future, the something borrowed represents borrowed happiness, and the something blue represents fidelity.

4. Scotland

Throwing the bride’s garter is a traditional Scottish wedding custom that is said to bring good luck to the next person to get married. The garter is usually removed from the bride’s leg by the groom or one of his groomsmen and then thrown to the unmarried guests. The person who catches the garter is said to be the next person to get married.

The tradition of throwing the bride’s garter is thought to have originated in Scotland in the 17th century. It is believed to be a fertility rite, as the garter is seen as a symbol of the bride’s virginity.

5. Greece

The couple drinks from a shared cup. This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s unity and commitment to each other. The couple drinks from the same cup to show that they are sharing their lives together.

6. China

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The bride and groom bow to their parents. This tradition is a way for the couple to show respect for their elders. It is also a way for the couple to thank their parents for their love and support. In some parts of China, the bride is expected to cry on her wedding day. This is believed to bring good luck to the couple.

7. Japan

In Japan, there is a wedding tradition of exchanging sake cups. It is called san-san-kudo, which means “three times, three cups”. In san-san-kudo, the bride and groom each drink three times from three cups of sake.

The first cup is shared between the bride and groom, the second cup is shared with their parents, and the third cup is drunk by the bride and groom alone. The three cups of sake represent the three virtues of happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The sharing of the first cup symbolizes the couple’s new bond as husband and wife. Find out other traditions from Japan.

8. India

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In Hindu weddings in India, the bride and groom walk around a fire seven times. This ritual is called Saptapadi, which means “seven steps”. The Saptapadi is a symbolic ritual that represents the couple’s journey through life together.

The seven steps represent the seven vows that the couple takes to each other, such as to love, honor, and cherish each other. The fire is a sacred symbol in Hinduism. It represents purity, truth, and divinity. Walking around the fire is a way for the couple to purify themselves and to commit themselves to their marriage.

9. Nigeria

The couple is blessed by a traditional priest. This tradition is a way for the couple to receive the blessing of their ancestors. The priest will pray for the couple and wish them a long and happy marriage.

10. Mexico

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The couple takes part in a piñata breaking ceremony. This tradition is a way for the couple to celebrate their new life together. The piñata is filled with candy and other treats, and the couple takes turns hitting it with a stick until it breaks open. This is said to symbolize the couple’s ability to overcome challenges together.

11. Ethiopia

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The couple drinks from a bowl of milk and honey. This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s sweetness and fertility. The milk is said to represent the couple’s purity, and the honey is said to represent their sweetness.

12. Tanzania

The couple is given a new name. This tradition is a way for the couple to start their new life together with a fresh beginning. The new names are often chosen by the couple’s elders, and they are said to be auspicious.

13. Sweden

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The couple eats a “wedding risotto.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s future together. The risotto is made with rice, saffron, and spices, and it is said to be a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

14. Norway

The couple drinks from a “wedding horn.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s strength and unity. The horn is made from a ram’s horn, and it is said to be a symbol of power and virility.

15. Finland

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The couple is “showered with rice.” This is a traditional Finnish custom in which the guests shower the couple with rice. This tradition is said to symbolize fertility and prosperity. The rice is said to bring the couple good luck and many children.

16. Iceland

In Iceland, it is believed that the elves can bless a wedding, and many couples choose to incorporate a ceremony to ask for their blessing. This is because elves are said to be creatures of nature who are closely connected to the land of Iceland. They are believed to be benevolent and to bring good luck to those who live in their realm. The ceremony to ask for the blessing of the elves is usually performed by a local shaman or priest. 

17. Slovenia

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The couple is “thrown over a threshold.” This tradition is said to bring the couple good luck and prosperity. The threshold is said to be a magical place, and it is believed that throwing the couple over it will bring them good fortune.

18. Croatia

The couple is “crowned with garlic.” This tradition is said to ward off evil spirits and bring the couple good luck. The garlic is usually woven into a wreath or garland and placed on the bride’s head. It can also be worn around her neck or wrists. The garlic is believed to have magical properties that can protect the bride from evil spirits and bring her good luck in her new life.

19. Serbia

The couple is “led to the stable.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s new life together, as well as their connection to nature. The stable is seen as a place of peace and tranquility. It is also believed that spending time there will bring the couple good luck.

20. Bulgaria

The couple is “given a loaf of bread.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s new life together, as well as their hope for a bountiful harvest. The bread is seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity, and it is believed that giving it to the couple will bring them good luck.

21. Wales

The couple is “chased by the guests.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s new life together, as well as their ability to overcome challenges. The guests are said to represent the challenges that the couple will face in their marriage, and it is believed that being able to outrun them will bring them good luck.

22. Cyprus

The couple is “tied to a tree.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s commitment to each other, as well as their connection to nature. The tree is seen as a symbol of strength and endurance. It is also believed that tying the couple to it will help them to weather any storms that come their way.

23. Greece

The couple is “dipped in the sea.” This tradition is said to cleanse the couple of any bad luck and to bring them good fortune. The sea is seen as a place of purity and renewal, and it is believed that dipping the couple in it will help them to start their new life together on a positive note.

24. Turkey

The couple is “buried in rice.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s fertility and prosperity. The rice is said to be a symbol of abundance and growth, and it is believed that burying the couple in it will help them to have many children and a prosperous life.

25. Mongolia

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The couple is “given a camel.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s strength and endurance. The camel is seen as a powerful and resilient animal, and it is believed that giving it to the couple will help them to overcome any challenges that come their way.

26. China

The couple is “given a red envelope.” This tradition is said to bring the couple good luck and prosperity. The red envelope is filled with money, and it is believed that giving it to the couple will help them to have a happy and prosperous life.

27. Japan

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The couple is “given a wedding kimono.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s new status as husband and wife. The wedding kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, and it is believed that wearing it will help the couple to start their new life together on a positive note.

28. India

The couple is “given a dowry.” This tradition is a traditional Indian custom in which the bride’s family gives the groom’s family a dowry as a wedding gift. The dowry is often made up of money, jewelry, and other valuables, and it is believed that it will help the couple to start their new life together financially secure.

29. Nigeria

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The couple is “given a cow.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s wealth and prosperity. The cow is a valuable animal in Nigeria, and it is believed that giving it to the couple will help them to have a prosperous life.

30. South Africa

The couple is “given a Zulu shield.” This tradition is said to symbolize the couple’s strength and protection. The Zulu shield is a traditional Zulu weapon, and it is believed that giving it to the couple will help them to protect themselves from harm.

31. Philippines

Shoe tossing is a traditional Filipino wedding tradition in which the guests toss shoes at the bride and groom. It is believed to bring the couple good luck and prosperity. The tradition of shoe tossing is said to have originated in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. At the time, it was believed that shoes were a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The guests would toss their shoes at the bride and groom in the hope that they would be blessed with good fortune.

32. South Korea

The napkin game is a traditional Korean wedding game that is played at the reception. It is a way for the guests to wish the couple good luck and prosperity. The game is played by the bride and groom sitting at the head table.

The guests are then invited to come up and take a napkin from the table. The napkins are usually decorated with symbols of good luck. Once the guests have taken a napkin, they are asked to make a wish for the couple. They then fold the napkin and place it in a basket or bowl. The bride and groom open the napkins and read the wishes.

33. Russia

A wedding bath in Russia is a traditional ritual that is performed on the eve of the wedding. It is believed to cleanse the bride and groom of any bad luck and to prepare them for their new life together. The wedding bath is usually performed in a traditional Russian banya, or bathhouse. The bride and groom are bathed separately by their respective friends and family. The water is often scented with herbs and flowers, and the bathers are scrubbed with special brushes.

34. Poland

The wedding crown has been a part of Polish wedding tradition for centuries. It is believed to have originated in pagan times, when it was seen as a symbol of the bride’s fertility and her connection to nature. A wedding crown in Poland is called a wianki. It is a traditional headpiece worn by the bride on her wedding day. It is usually made of flowers, leaves, and ribbons, and it is often decorated with symbols of fertility and prosperity, such as wheat ears and cornflowers.

35. Hungary

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In Hungary, a wedding handkerchief, or menyasszonyi zsebkendő, is a traditional gift given to the bride on her wedding day. It is usually made of fine linen or lace and is embroidered with the bride’s initials and the date of the wedding. The wedding handkerchief is a symbol of the bride’s purity and innocence. It is also a reminder of the promises she is making to her husband on her wedding day. The handkerchief is often kept by the bride as a keepsake of her wedding day.

36. Scotland

The couple is “handfasted.” This is a traditional Celtic ceremony in which the couple’s hands are tied together with a ribbon or cord. It is said to symbolize their commitment to each other. In a traditional handfasting ceremony, the couple’s hands are tied together with a ribbon or cord made of natural fibers, such as hemp or wool. The officiant then says a few words about the importance of love, commitment, and fidelity. The couple then exchange vows and rings.

37. Thailand

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Couples releasing doves into the sky is a popular wedding tradition in Vietnam. The doves are a symbol of peace, love, and happiness, and releasing them is a way for the couple to wish for a long and happy marriage. The tradition of releasing doves at weddings is thought to have originated in China, and it was brought to Vietnam by Chinese merchants and traders. The doves are often released at the end of the wedding ceremony, after the couple has exchanged vows and rings.

38. Vietnam

There is a Vietnamese wedding tradition of couples drinking special tea. It is called the Tea Ceremony or Vu Quy. It is a ceremony where the couple presents tea to their elders as a sign of respect and gratitude. The Tea Ceremony is usually performed after the wedding ceremony. It can also be performed before or on the day of the wedding. 

39. Ireland

The couple is “leaping the broom.” This is a traditional Irish custom in which the couple jumps over a broomstick together. It is said to symbolize their new life together. The tradition of leaping the broom is said to have originated in the 16th century when brooms were thought to have magical properties. It was believed that leaping over a broom would ward off evil spirits and bring the couple good luck. The tradition of leaping the broom is still practiced today, although it is not as common as it once was.

40. Sweden

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The couple eats a “wedding risotto.” This is a traditional Swedish dish that is made with rice, saffron, and spices. It is said to symbolize the couple’s future together. The tradition of eating wedding risotto in Sweden is said to have originated in the 16th century. At the time, risotto was a popular dish among the wealthy, and it was thought to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The tradition of eating wedding risotto continued into the 19th century, and it is still practiced today.

In this article, we have explored 40 of the most bizarre wedding traditions from across the world. From the practical to the downright strange, these traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, and they offer a glimpse into the unique cultures and customs of different countries. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or just curious about the world’s strange and wonderful wedding traditions, we hope you enjoyed reading about these bizarre wedding traditions!