European Wedding Traditions
Traditions for a wedding in Europe largely depend on the basic religion of specific countries. And if the Orthodox Greece reminds Russia and caravans, and the bride's ransom, and a week-long sweep, then in France, first of all, attention is paid to the style of the wedding, decoration and delicious dishes. Catholic Spaniards, known for their fervor, are walking around the world and attach great importance to the engagement, on which the bridegroom must present the bride with 13 gold coins. And courageous Serbs ask the lady's hands to hit the apple with a sharp shot.
England
So, traditions for a wedding in Europe are pleasing with their diversity. Each country brings its original view of this process to the European coin box. And some traditions seem so sweet and romantic that they are used outside the concrete state.
The most famous English wedding tradition can be called the rule of three things. In the attire of the bride there must necessarily be something new, something old and something blue. If everything is clear with the first, then the second one may well be a jewelery or an accessory to a dress, for example, a handbag or gloves. Blue is the same color on the garter, ribbons, trim.
Also a tradition from Britain, which is a success at weddings all over the world, is spreading flowers along the bride's path to the altar. Usually for this beautiful action a charming little girl is chosen.
Greece
Hellas is famous for its magnificent weddings. Every day of the week before the wedding has a landmark value. Special meaning is given to the gifts that are made to the guests on the money of the parents of the future husband. The main gift is made by the bridegroom to the bride.
To the outfits of the bridesmaids and friends of the groom, a tiny blue eye is surely pinned, protecting from the evil eye. And on the marriage bed are allowed to jump to all the young children present at the wedding. To the family was fun and prolific.
By the way, it is to the Greeks that we can say thank you for the appearance of the wedding tradition in almost all the peoples of the world associated with the bouquet of the bride.
Italy
It is the Italian wedding tradition that owes its name to the honeymoon. In ancient Rome, the newlyweds were prescribed to eat honey, so that family life was just as sweet. In the north of Italy, this custom is still observed and modern couples.
Also, it's the Italians who came up with the idea that the groom must transfer the bride through the doorstep. The need is explained by the fact that stumbling over the threshold is a very bad omen.
Germany
German weddings are rather conservative, but there are some cheerful traditions. After returning from the church newly-born couple are offered one glass of wine. First it is tried by the groom, and then the bride. She drains the wine or, slightly sipping, pours from the groom to drive away the temptations. He throws the glass behind his back. If it is broken, then a long and happy life awaits the newlyweds.
France
The main tradition, which is strictly observed, is the organization of a stag and hen party before the wedding with various funny jokes and competitions. Sometimes these events are much more magnificent than the next modest wedding in a small cafe.
Ukraine
Naturally, talking about the wedding traditions of the world, we could not ignore a few interesting Ukrainian customs. On the morning of the wedding, women from among the closest relatives weaved the braid's plait and put on her head a wreath symbolizing purity. Sending a son to the church, his mother showered him with grain, wanting wealth.
Eastern wedding traditions
The rites and traditions of weddings of the peoples of the East are very different from European ones. Naturally, in many ways they are related to the Islamic religion and the role of men in the family.
Chechnya
The Chechen wedding is always a very noisy event. When the bride is brought to the groom's house, his mother at the threshold gives the girl a candy or any other sweetness. As soon as she enters her new home, those present on the street create as much noise as possible. They shoot, extract various sounds with improvised objects and so on. Previously, it was believed that in this way you can scare away evil spirits who seek to harm the family.
Azerbaijan
In this country great importance is attached to betrothal. According to the wedding traditions of Azerbaijan, it passes in two stages to make sure of the seriousness of the intentions. About three days before the wedding, the relatives of the bride bake special lavashi. The first cake comes from the mother of the groom.
After the wedding, it is extremely important to exchange visits to the families of the bride and groom. Traditional feasts and gifts accompany these wedding Azerbaijani customs.
India
Perhaps, the wedding traditions in India look even too original for us. And the outfit of the bride and groom, and the treats, and the holding of the ceremony for the Europeans look very exotic.
Let's start with the sari. The bride's clothes can be red or green. The canvas is embroidered with beads and rhinestones, so sometimes its weight reaches 10 kg. Hands and bride's feet paint henna with bizarre patterns, weaving the names of future spouses into them.
On the way of the groom no woman, not even a relative, should get into the temple. there were precedents that because of this accident, weddings were canceled.
China
Traditions of the Chinese wedding today is almost never found in city events. They are more like European ones. Ancient customs are preserved except in remote provinces. Although several traditions can still be distinguished.
- First, it is an indispensable presence of red color in the bride's attire. If before it was completely red, modern Chinese women choose white dresses. But the shoes or any accessories will necessarily be this beautiful color, symbolizing love and wealth. And gifts also turn into red paper.
- Secondly, the groom himself takes the bride from his father's house and takes him to the wedding ceremony.
- Thirdly, marriages in which the bride and groom approach each other according to the Chinese horoscope are considered to be the most successful. Although, as you know, love works wonders, and even the chicken and the dog get along together.
- Fourth, the date of the wedding according to the Chinese tradition is chosen through astrology. The ceremony itself is held in the second half of the hour. The first 30 minutes are rejected, since at this time the arrows are moving down, and not upwards.
American Wedding Traditions
Wedding customs of the New World - very romantic. A lot of money is spent on events. And even the most modest families tend to take a loan to celebrate the wedding, as it should.
In the attire of the bride, a veil is required, which will cover her face all the ceremony, until the groom is allowed to kiss her named. Each spouse has his own retinue. Bride's maidens are usually at the ceremony in identical dresses of gentle shades. Their diversity, they should not overshadow the culprit of the celebration, so their outfits are performed in a unified style.
When leaving the church, the newlyweds are sprinkled with grain. Usually it is wheat or rice. And the guests loudly clap their hands and congratulate the new married couple.
After the wedding and the festive dinner, the young people never return home. They spend the night at the hotel or go on a trip. According to the American wedding tradition tin cans are tied to the exhaust pipe of the car to make as much noise as possible while traveling.
Wedding bouquet before leaving the bride throws in the crowd of his girlfriends. She does this by turning her back on them, so that the incident decides who to marry next.