Weddings are important events celebrated around the world, and each culture has its own special rituals. Many wedding traditions are alike, but there are also some unique ones that are different. These traditions can be enjoyable, special, or a bit strange, but they all reflect how people from various cultures celebrate love and marriage. Some traditions are for good luck, while others make the day more fun and joyful. Studying these special wedding methods helps us understand the different beliefs, traditions, and values that make each wedding unique.

Stealing the Groom’s Shoes (India)

Hiding the groom's shoes right before the wedding is a funny traditions in Indian weddings. Often by paying a ransom or completing a job, the groom and his family must then "negotiate" with the bride's family to obtain them back. This is an entertaining way to liven the celebration and represent the concept of the groom's family displaying humility and respect toward the bride's family.

Crying Ritual (China)

In some Chinese villages, especially among the Tujia ethnic group, the bride follows a tradition by which she cries for a month before the wedding. The bride starts the crying, and over the course of the days her mother, grandmother, and other female relatives join in. The bride is supposed to be able to let her emotions of sadness about leaving her family behind go by means of this emotional outpouring. With the theory that the tears will clear any negative fortune, the custom is also supposed to bless both of them.

Finger-Counting Ritual (Japan)

There is a tradition in which the bride and groom count their fingers one by one during some Japanese weddings. This little act has great symbolic value since it is supposed to show the couple's awareness of the difficulties they would encounter together in their marriage. Like the fingers, any challenge may be recorded met, and overcome with balance and support.

Broken Plate Tradition (Greece)

Throwing plates on the ground during the wedding party is traditions in Greece for guests. The pair is supposed to have better luck in their marriage the louder the plates smash are. This ceremony is supposed to drive good fortune for the newlyweds and keep off evil spirits. Breaking plates is also considered as a release of negative energy, thereby leaving just happy vibes for the couple starting their new life together.

Jumping the Broom (United States, Africa)

Particularly during weddings, African American and African cultures both have a jumping the broom tradition. To celebrate the start of their new life, both of them jumps over a broom together. It seems to represent both the couple's dedication to one another and a fresh start. The broom stands for clearing the past and greeting the present. This forceful, symbolic act gives the marriage power and strength.

Gifting of the Wedding Ring (Spain)

Usually in Spain, the groom presents the bride with two rings: one for the engagement and another for the wedding. The groom's double-ring exchange is considered as a deeper commitment to the long-term path of marriage as compared to the wedding alone. This tradition captures the weight of the commitment and the connection that they are making.
Stealing the Bride (Denmark)

In Denmark, the "stealing" of the bride is a fun and happy tradition. Her friends or family takes the bride away; the groom has to find her and "rescue" her. This humorous act is designed to symbolize the groom's courage and dedication to the marriage, hence it gives the wedding celebrations some thrill and entertainment.

Lying Down for the Groom (South Korea)

In South Korea, there's a special ritual where the groom lies down and his friends hit his feet with a stick. This fun activity is designed to test his patience and strength before the wedding. It's a fun way to show that the groom is ready for the tasks ahead, and it also lets his friends share some laughs and strengthen their friendship.

Blackening of the Bride (Scotland)

In an exciting Scottish ritual, friends and family "blacken" the bride before her wedding. The bride is covered in all kinds of messy substances, including feathers, soot, and even eggs. This tradition celebrates the future challenges of marriage, showing that while there may be good times and bad, the pair will face them together. It's a fun and cheerful way to gather people before the big day.

Money Dance (Philippines and Mexico)

In the Philippines and Mexico, couples take part in the "money dance" during their wedding celebration. As part of this ritual, guests connect money to the bride and groom's clothes while they dance. The money supports the couple with their wedding costs and allows people to wish them happiness for the future. It's a fun and engaging part of the party that unites everyone in support of the newly married couple.