Weddings are often steeped in tradition, with rituals passed down through generations. However, many cultures have adopted unique and unconventional wedding customs that add a personal touch to the celebration. Here are 5 shocking wedding traditions from around the world that might surprise you.
1. The blackening of the bride (Scotland)
In some parts of Scotland, the bride-to-be undergoes a peculiar tradition called “The Blackening.” Before the wedding day, the bride, along with her friends and family, is “kidnapped” and covered with a mixture of mud, feathers, and other sticky substances. This practice is said to symbolise the challenges that lie ahead in married life. The idea is to test the bride’s resilience and give her a memorable experience before her big day. After the blackening, the bride is paraded around town, often to much laughter and cheering, before being cleaned up and preparing for the wedding.
2. Jumping the broom (USA, African-American Communities)
The tradition of “jumping the broom” is a symbol of the couple’s commitment to starting a new life together. Though it has roots in African and African-American history, particularly among enslaved people in the United States, the ritual has spread to various cultures. During the ceremony, the couple jumps over a broom placed on the ground, marking the transition from single life to marriage. The act is a joyful declaration of new beginnings and has been revived in modern weddings, often as a way to honour cultural heritage.
3. The shoe game (Mexico)
In Mexico, some couples incorporate a fun and interactive game into their wedding celebrations called “El Juego de los Zapatos” (The Shoe Game). The bride and groom sit back-to-back, each holding one of the other’s shoes and one of their own. A series of questions are then asked, such as “Who is the better cook?” or “Who is more likely to forget anniversaries?” The couple raises the shoe that corresponds to the answer. It’s a lighthearted way to entertain guests and let everyone see how well the couple knows each other.
4. The wedding tree (Ghana)
In Ghanaian weddings, it’s customary for the couple to plant a tree together as part of the ceremony. This act symbolises the growth and nurturing of their relationship, with the tree serving as a visual representation of their union. The couple’s family and friends may also plant their trees to demonstrate their support and commitment to the marriage. Over time, as the tree matures, it is hoped that the couple’s relationship will grow stronger and flourish.
5. The spitting of the Bbride (Maasai Tribe, Kenya)
One of the most unusual and controversial wedding rituals comes from the Maasai tribe in Kenya. In this tradition, the father of the bride spits on her head and chest before she leaves for her new home. This act is seen as a blessing and a way to wish the couple prosperity and good fortune. While it may sound unusual to many, it is an important gesture in Maasai culture, believed to protect the bride and ensure happiness in her marriage.
You may choose to embrace one of these traditions or create your own. However, weddings are an opportunity to celebrate individuality and culture most beautifully.