Exploring Engagement and Wedding Traditions from Around the World
Marriage is an institution that’s well-established among countless cultures and nations around the world. But the way that these groups view marriage, and the quirks and customs that surround it, can vary wildly from one part of the world to the next. This variety extends from the weddings themselves to the engagement.
African Traditions: The Role of Family and Community
In the West, we have come to think of marriage as a union between two people who love one another. But this wasn’t always the case. In many different parts of the world, the more traditional view of marriage – as a bridge between families – has persisted. This is perhaps most evident in Africa.
Congolese couples are expected to be deadly serious throughout a wedding. Smiling and laughter are considered evidence that the couple is committed to the process. In Ethiopia, the bride’s family often hosts a special private party called a Melse. In Nigeria, meanwhile, it’s traditional to start a wedding by smashing a kola nut into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more prosperity is in store for both the couple and their guests.
Asian Customs: Symbolism and Spirituality
In Asia, there’s a great emphasis on symbolism and associations. In China, for example, the colour red is associated with happiness and abundance – and so it’s found everywhere in wedding ceremonies and associated traditions. Chinese bridesmaids also traditionally challenge the groom (and his groomsmen) to a series of ‘wedding door’ games, to test his worthiness.
In India, there’s a popular Hindu wedding ritual, called Saptapadi, which involves the couple stepping seven times around a special fire. The term comes from the Sanskrit for ‘seven steps’.
European Practices: From Handfasting to White Gowns
European customs are as varied as they are elsewhere in the world. Some, like the Celtic tradition of binding the couple’s hands together, have been around for centuries. Others, like the practice of a bride wearing a white gown, are more recent innovations. The white gown was popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore one for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840.
Diamond engagement rings are often presented to would-be brides in Europe. These were popularised in the middle of the 20th century, thanks largely to an advertising campaign launched by the De Beers Group.
Middle Eastern Ceremonies: Lavish Celebrations and Henna Nights
In the Middle East, as in some parts of Eastern Europe, wedding ceremonies typically span several days. Henna tattoos are often worn by brides, in a tradition that’s spread in India. Brides will often assemble their friends on the night before a wedding, in order to bless her and wish her luck.
North and South American Rituals: Blending Cultures and Traditions
The Americas provide a mixed bag of wedding traditions, with many of them being borrowed from European colonists. Over the centuries, however, these traditions have evolved enough to be distinctive. In Mexico, for example, you might find a ‘lasso ceremony’, during which couples are bound together using a lasso. In the United States, the familiar traditions of cakes, white dresses, diamond rings, and confetti are all well-established.