How do weddings in different countries of the world?

Wedding day for the bride is one of the most important in her life. Traditions associated with the wedding are different in different countries (and often even in different regions), but most have some common features: friends, family and lots of food! Although more and more newlyweds abandon some old traditions in favor of modern style, culture still has a big impact on the celebration of this special day. Here are the most fascinating wedding traditions from around the world.

Japan

During the traditional Japanese wedding, the bride must wear not only a white kimono, but the same hood. Moreover, it should be dressed in white from head to toe to emphasize its purity. Modern Japanese brides often change their attire several times a day. Initially, they use a traditional white kimono, then red, and finish the celebration in a white wedding dress that matches the western style.

The union of spouses symbolizes a drink drunk together. As soon as each of the newly married couple takes a sip, they begin to be considered a husband and wife.

India

Indian weddings vary greatly depending on the region and religion of the bride and groom. Most Indian weddings are held in accordance with age-old rituals, and they often last for several days.

One of the most memorable rituals of the Indian wedding is the Mehendi ceremony, during which the bride's hands and feet are stained with henna. In this ritual, friends and relatives often take part.

China

In China, brides are traditionally chosen red, not white outfits (since this color is associated with funerals), although more and more girls prefer white dresses in Western style for their wedding. Most brides who decide on this simply change the traditional red dress to white in the middle of the wedding party. Red color symbolizes luck and helps protect newlyweds from evil spirits. Wedding dresses are often decorated with images of a golden phoenix and dragon, which symbolize male and female strength.

On the wedding day, the bridegroom takes the bride from the house, where she is waiting for him surrounded by friends. Traditionally, they should tease the groom and do not let the bride go with him until he "convinces" them by paying money.

Women in China tend to marry fairly young because of social pressure. 30-year-old unmarried women are often called "old maidens."

Mauritania

In Mauritania (a country in West Africa) it is considered that women with a full figure bring good luck and prosperity in marriage. It's no secret that many modern brides decide to stick to a diet to look good in wedding dresses, but the Moorish girls are doing their best to gain extra weight.

Do you think this is the dream of any woman? Hardly. The fact is that many Mauritanian girls have been forcibly fed since childhood, until they become overweight, to make them more attractive to men.

Jamaica

In Jamaica, a wedding, as a rule, is an important event that unites the whole community. According to the old tradition (which is now rarely practiced), villagers gathered on the street to see the bride, who should look as good as possible. When it seemed to the villagers that she did not look well enough, she was criticized. In this case, the girl had to go home and dress herself up to look better.

For the Jamaican wedding, it is customary to bake a lot of cakes. During the ceremony, they are married women dressed in white, which symbolizes the happiness of a young wife.

Germany

On the eve of the wedding in Germany, it is customary to follow a tradition called Polterabend. This holiday is a kind of combination of a bachelorette party and a bachelor party, where the friends of the bride and groom are invited. During the holiday, you should break the plate to attract good luck.

German weddings are often played in traditional games such as Baumstamm sägen, during which the couple tests their strength by sawing a wooden log. Another game - Brautentführung, during which the bride's friends must kidnap her, and the groom's task is to find the lost wife.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, wedding is considered green, because in the Islamic tradition it represents prosperity and paradise. On the wedding day, the bride's hands and feet are covered with henna, as well as her relatives. According to tradition, henna on the little finger helps unmarried girls find a groom.

The wedding is a huge event in Afghanistan, which lasts more than three days. It includes both a religious ceremony and a feast, in which family and friends participate.

Mexico

Mexican weddings are often very colorful. Although in some regions of the country, according to tradition, the bride must wear a plain white cotton dress, she can decorate it with yellow, blue and red ribbons to bless her marriage with food, money and passion. Grooms usually wear a light loose shirt.

Mexican weddings are very susceptible to religious influence. During the ceremony, the groom should give the bride 13 gold coins, which symbolize Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles. After the young vows are exchanged, the priest must wrap flowers or rope around their necks to show that they are now connected.

Italy

In the Italian region of Tuscany, traditional for wedding dresses was black! Nevertheless, nowadays brides all over the country choose white dresses and veil. The tradition of throwing petals of roses or confetti on a happy couple has remained unchanged.

As a wedding treat, guests often get a delicious sweet almond, covered with white sugar, but its number should not be even. It is believed that, since two people have become one, almonds should also not be divided equally.

All you need is Love

A wedding is a special event, no matter where you live! It does not matter if it matches all wedding traditions or challenges stereotypes, the most important thing is to celebrate the love between a happy couple with family and friends.

Wedding is one of the oldest traditions in the world, which is common to people in all countries and at all times. People in different countries may have disagreements, but the celebration of love is something that unites all of us.