Weird wedding rituals around the world
What's the story
Wedding rituals, seemingly steeped in tradition and romance, often harbor surprising histories.
From the chaotic bouquet toss in Christian weddings to the unconventional practices of kidnapping brides in Romania and beating grooms in South Korea, the global web of nuptial customs is rich and startling.
Let's look into these unique traditions that highlight the diverse and sometimes bizarre nature of wedding rituals across cultures.
Christian wedding
Tossing the bouquet in Christian weddings
Christian weddings, celebrated for their solemnity, have a surprising twist in the form of the bouquet toss.
Originating from a history of superstition, this ritual emerged as a solution to the chaos that ensued when unmarried women sought to touch the newlywed bride for luck.
The resulting panic led to the tradition of the bouquet toss, transforming a potential hazard into a playful tradition.
Japan
Syncing the drink in Japan
In ancient Shinto tales, Izanagi and Izanami, the first gods, shaped Japan with sacred rituals. They say gods watch over weddings, highlighting their importance in forming connections.
The nuptial cups ceremony, where newlyweds drink three times from three cups, symbolizes the past, present, and future.
It expresses gratitude for the past, celebrates the present union, and wishes for the couple's future happiness.
Romania
Bride-napping in Romania
Romania's bride kidnapping tradition traces its roots to ancient Rome's legendary Sabine kidnappers, driven by a desire to populate the city.
The Romans, hosting a party for the Sabine tribe, stole women and triggered a love story.
Today, this tradition is a playful moment emphasizing the groom's vigilance on his bride.
Redemption involves public declarations of love, adding value to the brides at weddings.
South Korea
Beating the groom in South Korea
A shocking pre-wedding ritual - being beaten by friends! Known as "Nal-ssi-gi," this tradition is believed to chase away evil spirits and test the groom's resilience.
Friends playfully strike the groom's feet with a stick or bind his legs, emphasizing the importance of endurance in marriage.
This peculiar custom adds a touch of humor and camaraderie to the solemnity of South Korean weddings.