Marriage is one of the most important events in a person’s life. After all, it is a lifelong commitment as a couple. So, to celebrate this union, different cultures around the world have different rituals – some of which may sound strange or even weird to people. From the ritual of breaking dishes at newlyweds’ homes in Germany to stealing the groom’s shoes on an Indian wedding day, here are some weird wedding rituals from around the world that will blow your mind.
1. Paint the bride black
In some parts of Scotland, friends of the bride and groom will humiliate the prospective couple by throwing dirt such as cigarette ash and flour on them before the wedding. What’s the reason? Well, in their culture, they believe that since marriage is hard work, if a couple can endure it and still be together, then they can definitely get through the hardships of life and marriage together!
2. Stealing the groom’s shoes
While most Hindu weddings are grand ceremonies, one of the fun rituals involves stealing the groom’s shoes on the wedding day. This custom involves the bride’s cousins secretly stealing the groom’s shoes (jootis) during the wedding and returning them only after negotiating a price with the groom. This is a fun ritual that helps create a friendly bond between the groom and his sister-in-law, the bride’s sisters.
Karnataka: Frog wedding to pray for rain and escape the heat
3. kidnapping the bride
Did you know that in Kyrgyzstan there used to be a tradition in which men kidnapped a woman of their choice and forced her to marry them? This tradition is true with or without the woman’s consent, and thankfully it’s now illegal. Interestingly, in some places in Bihar, India, there is a similar tradition where the woman’s family will forcibly kidnap a man they think is suitable to marry their daughter or sister. The kidnapped groom will be forced to marry the woman. We do live in a strange world!
4. Break the plate
In Germany, there is a strange tradition that teaches newlyweds how to work as a team and helps them bond. According to their culture, after the wedding, guests visit the couple’s wedding room where they break plates and crockery. They believe it will bring good luck to the newlyweds. how? Well, the couple cleaning up the mess in their home after the guests leave is somewhat symbolic of teamwork – a skill necessary for the long-term success of a marriage.
5. Log cutting
emphasize importance Teamwork in marriage This is another tradition followed in Austria where a newlywed couple will saw a log in half. This is often done at a wedding reception and is designed to help couples understand teamwork in marriage and overcome challenges together.
