TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Welsh - Silver coins (usually quarters in the U.S.) are inserted into the popped champagne or wine corks and given to the bride & groom.
African-American - Since slaves weren't permitted to marry in America, they would make a public declaration of their commitment by jumping over a broom to the beat of drums. The broom has since come to symbolize setting up a new home for the newlyweds.
Macedonian - Silver coins (usually dimes and quarters in the U.S.) and candies are tossed to the guests at the marriage ceremony, symbolizing wishes for prosperity.
Chinese - the color of joy is red, so the couple drinks wine and honey from goblets tied together with red string.
Dutch - The first wedding shower reportedly was held in Holland. When a father would not produce a dowry to recognize his daughter's engagement, villagers got together and showered the couple with gifts to help them set up housekeeping.
Dutch & Swiss - Planting a pine tree for the newlyweds symbolizes good luck and fertility.
French - A trousseau meant a bundle, in which the bride carried her belongings to her new home. Today it refers to new items purchased for the honeymoon or new home. The bridal couple often drinks the reception toast from an engraved two-handled cup, the coupe de marriage.
Polish - For village weddings, friends weave a crown of rosemary leaves for the bride to symbolize remembrance. At the wedding reception, an apron is tied around the bride's waist and the bridal veil is removed by the bride's mother, symbolizing the transformation from maidenhood to married life. In Poland, the mother was allowed to cut the bride's hair in the presence of her wedding guests. Today, some mothers still snip a lock of hair as part of this ritual.
German - The bride carries salt and bread in her pocket to ensure bounty; the groom carries grain for wealth and good fortune.
Native American - Wedding attire was handspun cotton garments trimmed in beads. Navajo and other tribes still carry on this tradition.
Indian - The groom's brother sprinkles flower petals over the couple at the end of the ceremony to ward off evil.
Greek - The bride and groom circle the altar three times in the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The godmother and godfather often give away the bride in place of the father. They stand at the altar and participate in the wedding ceremony. At the reception, a monetary dance is traditional. The bride and groom are honored with dollar bills tossed at them as they waltz. The money is collected and saved for the first child.
Greek & Italian - Wrapped almonds in odd numbers (3, 5, 7) symbolize fertility. Almonds are given as favors at showers and wedding receptions.
Japanese - The couple takes nine sips of sake (3 sips from 3 cups), becoming husband and wife after the first sip. In many cultures, the number three symbolizes good luck.
Serbian - Weddings are often huge. Large monetary gifts are bestowed on the bride and groom who are often married without immediate family members attending the wedding. Friends financially help the new couple begin their life together.
Mexican - In some Mexican wedding ceremonies, the groom may present thirteen gold coins to the bride as a symbol of his commitment to support her. The coins symbolize Jesus and the twelve disciples. Other Mexican ceremonies feature a lasso, a figure eight, which symbolically ties the couple in matrimony. At the reception, guests often form a heart-shaped ring around the couple during their first dance. |
