Weddings are filled with time-honored traditions that have existed for centuries. While plenty of modern couples put their own unique spin on their big day, when engaged duos embrace long-standing customs, the affair is infused with a sense of history, meaning, and familiarity, linking the pair to their family lineage, their culture, and those who tied the knot before them. It’s also said that following certain wedding traditions brings eternal happiness and good fortune to the newlyweds, which is the ultimate goal of any wedding celebration.
1. Norway, wearing a Crown to Deflect Evil Spirits: One wedding tradition that Norwegian brides follow is sporting a crown to ward off evil spirits. The tiara in question is usually an ornate diadem made of silver and gold that is decorated with small charms. Whenever the bride moves, the charms create a tinkling sound that is supposed to scare off the spirits.
2. Armenia, Balancing Bread on the Couple’s Shoulders: With this ritual, when a newly married Armenian couple enters their wedding reception—typically at the groom’s house—they break a plate for good luck. Then, the mother of the groom gives them lavash flatbread and honey. They eat spoonfuls of the honey to symbolize happiness, and they balance the bread on their shoulders to counteract evil spirits.
3. Mexico, Draping a Lasso Around the Couple’s Shoulders: During a Mexican wedding ceremony, when the pair exchanges vows, “el lazo,” or lasso (often a string of rope) is draped around their shoulders in the shape of a figure eight. Not only does “el lazo” represent the union of the couple, but its shape also resembles the infinity sign, which signifies how long they’re hoping the marriage will last.
4. Nigeria, Cracking Kola Nuts: In Nigeria, many tribes signal the start of the traditional event by breaking the kola nut. After blessing the bitter fruit, they crack the symbolic food into pieces—the more pieces that are broken off, the more prosperity the host and guests will receive.
5. Cuba, Pinning Money to the Bride’s Dress: Some variation of the money dance is a common wedding tradition across many cultures. In Cuba, every man who dances with the bride must pin money to her dress to help the couple pay for their wedding and honeymoon.
6. India, Stealing the Groom’s Shoes: On the day of the wedding, in a lighthearted ritual, called “Joota Chupai,” an Indian bride’s sisters and female cousins hide the groom’s shoes. To safely return them to the groom, the bride’s female relatives often negotiate with him. This tradition brings laughter and blessings to the couple.
