South Africa: In some South African weddings, the couples' parents carry torches lit by fire in their own homes. They then take the fire to the newlyweds' home, where a new fire is lit.
Japan: Some Japanese ceremonies include drinking Sake; it signifies unity. Some brides choose to wear the traditional kimono, though a white dress is also common.
Turkey: Many couples in Turkey continue to celebrate with family and friends for days after the ceremony has ended.
Jamaica: At traditional Jamaican wedding receptions, rum cake is served. The leftover cake is then mailed to family members unable to attend the reception.
Switzerland: Brides at traditional Swiss weddings wear a wreath crown to signify being young and unmarried. After the ceremony, the wreath is burned, and it is viewed as lucky if it burns quickly.
Yemen: The sweet desserts served at Yemeni wedding receptions signify a sweet life for the newlywed couple.
Venezuela: It's not uncommon for a newlywed couple to sneak away from their reception without saying goodbye. It's even considered lucky (worldweddingtraditions.com).
I couldn't determine with certainty how common these rituals are, but they certainly are different. It got me thinking about the typical Christian, American wedding traditions, and they likely seem strange to outsiders. ("So the person who catches the bouquet will be the next to get married?") But however diverse the rituals, happiness and celebration are a common theme.
In Nigeria and most of West African countries, wedding is a flamboyant celebration that involves many processes. Before the solemnization of the marriage the groom's family must have paid dowries, brought some jeweleries,clothes and other items such as Yam, and Honey for the bride and her family. This traditional activity is compulsory before any wedding is recognized.
ReplyDeleteClick on the link below to catch a glimpse of wedding in Nigeria.
http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A2KLqIOCUZZOiGYAAGn7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBncGdyMzQ0BHNlYwNzZWFyY2gEdnRpZAM-?p=Yoruba++introduction+and+engagement+ceremony&fr=yfp-t-701&ei=utf-8&n=21&js=1&tnr=20