Five Unique Wedding Traditions From Around the World

Weddings may be a universal celebration of love and commitment, but the nuptial customs of different cultures vary widely! We plan to publish more blog posts on wedding traditions from all over the globe, but for now, let’s kick things off with a quick look at five fascinating wedding customs from Asia, Africa, and Europe.

India – The Baraat (Groom’s Procession)

In Indian weddings, the groom arrives at the ceremony in a grand procession called the Baraat. He is often on a decorated horse or even an elephant, accompanied by dancing friends and family, with a live band playing traditional music. The bride’s family greets the groom’s party with a welcoming ritual. According to Praachi Raniwala, “Though it doesn't hold any religious significance, it's performed at almost every wedding to ensure a couple happily enters their marriage with friends and family by their side. This custom also symbolizes the groom's journey to marrying his wife and the joining of two families into one” (https://www.brides.com/indian-baraat-5075885).

(Photo by Abhishek Sharma on Unsplash)

South Korea – Beating the Groom’s Feet

In South Korea, after the wedding ceremony, the groom’s friends and family sometimes take off his shoes and tie his ankles together. Then they lightly beat the soles of his feet with a stick or dried fish, often while asking him trivia questions. This humorous ritual is meant to test the groom’s strength and prepare him for married life. Though playful, it’s also seen as a way to ensure good luck and wisdom in his new role as a husband. What’s more, the number of people who show up to participate in the practice can indicate how highly regarded the families are!

Kenya – The Spitting Blessing

You might not want to try this one out at a traditional American wedding (at least, not without permission…)

In Maasai culture, spitting, called "oltepesi", is a common way to show deep respect. Though it might seem unusual to those of us raised in a culture where spitting is considered a sign of disrespect, a Maasai father might bless his daughter on her wedding day by spitting on her head and chest as a way to wish the couple prosperity in their new life. It’s not uncommon for the Maasai to bless newborn babies with “oltepesi” as well!

Germany – Polterabend (Breaking of Dishes)

Before a German wedding, friends and family often gather for Polterabend (literally “making-a-lot-of-noise-evening”), where they break porcelain dishes. The justification behind this practice is that the noise will scare away evil spirits, but it also serves to demonstrate the couple’s teamwork and resilience, as they will usually clean up the mess together. The belief in the effectiveness of this custom is expressed by the old adage: "Shards bring luck" (German: Scherben bringen Glück). Traditionally, this custom occurred the night before the wedding (or several nights before), but some couples are now opting to incorporate the porcelain-smashing into their wedding receptions!

Sweden – Kissing Tradition

In Swedish weddings, if the bride or groom leaves the room during the reception, guests can seize the opportunity to shower the remaining partner with kisses! If the groom steps away, the male guests take turns kissing the bride, and if the bride leaves, the female guests kiss the groom. “Then there’s almost always a male friend who also gets up to kiss the groom,” laughs wedding planner Mariella Gink (https://www.thelocal.se/20150609/seven-traditions-that-make-a-swedish-wedding).  Guests may signal that the bride or groom has left the room by clapping, stamping their feet, or tapping their glasses. This lighthearted tradition not only adds fun to the celebration but also represents the couple’s popularity and the affection of their loved ones.

At Ravenwolf Ranch, we are dedicated to helping you celebrate your love in a way that’s significant to you, whether you’re looking for something fun and quirky or you want to honor family traditions (or both). We’re all about making your special day reflect what makes your partnership unique!