My wedding is just around the corner. 53 days to be exact. Which is one of the reasons I haven’t been on to update lately. Or at all for that matter. My sincerest apologies. Anyway, I was perusing the internet, as usual, when I stumbled across an article detailing odd wedding customs. Being the benevolent writer I am, I decided to share them with you. Enjoy!
Blackening the Bride – Scotland
The Scottish tradition of “Blackening the Bride” begins when the bride is taken by surprise and covered with all sorts of horrid substances such as rotten eggs, feathers, etc. After this important ritual, the future bride is then paraded throughout town so everyone can get a good laugh. They don’t even say why exactly.
Log Sawing – Germany
At least this one has nothing to do with poo. After our lovely German couple is married, a log is placed on two sawhorses. The newlyweds must then saw it in half, representing how they will work together to solve all problems during marriage. Alright.
Mehindi – India
I have to admit, this one is kind of cool. The bride-to-be will begin her new life soon and, as such, is to be treated like a princess. Skilled artisans painstakingly coat the bridge’s arms and legs in intricate patterns.
Coins – Sweden
Another unique tradition, the Swedes believe placing coins in the bride’s shoes is good luck. A silver coin for dear ol’ dad goes in the left shoe and a gold coin for mom in the right shoe.
Break Stuff – Italy
The Italians believe that a groom must carry a piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits. This is also what they believe the purpose of a veil for the bride is. After the wedding, the newlyweds shatter a vase and count the pieces. Those pieces represent how many years they will be married for.
Both Feet – Ireland
The Irish, apparently, believe in fairies. And apparently these fairies are jerks. The legend goes that if a newly-married bride’s foot leaves the dance floor, fairies will rush in and steal her away. I would totally pay to see that. Well, not my bride, but you get the point.
-Chad “Will Try to Update More” 2
Something else really cool about mehndi, some brides hide their husbands name in the pattern and the husband has to find it that night. Hindu culture has some really interesting wedding rituals. There is a video that you can find on youtube of a wedding ceremony, you should check it out