Weddings are filled with time-honored traditions that have existed for centuries.
While plenty of modern couples put their own unique spin on their big day, when engaged duos embrace long-standing customs, the affair is infused with a sense of history, meaning, and familiarity, linking the pair to their family lineage, their culture, and those who tied the knot before them. It’s also said that following certain wedding traditions brings eternal happiness and good fortune to the newlyweds, which is the ultimate goal of any wedding celebration.
While American nuptials typically adopt customs, such as the first dance and bouquet toss, countries around the world also have their own set of wedding-related rituals. And many of them have a specific purpose with symbolic significance. Take, for instance, nuptials in Guatemala, which often involve the mother of the groom breaking a white ceramic bell to bring prosperity to the newlyweds. Or, consider brides and grooms in the Philippines who release a pair of white doves after they wed, signifying a harmonious life.
If you’re part of a certain culture or heritage, you don’t have to be living in that country or throwing your wedding there to observe these traditions; if you align with a ritual that’s part of your background, you can certainly implement it into your special day.
Whether you want to read up on your culture or you’re simply curious how other cultures celebrate their marriage, here are 50 of the most fascinating wedding traditions around the world.
Norway: Wearing a Crown to Deflect Evil Spirits
One wedding tradition that Norwegian brides follow is sporting a crown to ward off evil spirits. The tiara in question is usually an ornate diadem made of silver and gold that is decorated with small charms. Whenever the bride moves, the charms create a tinkling sound that is supposed to scare off the spirits.
Mexico: Draping a Lasso Around the Couple’s Shoulders
During a Mexican wedding ceremony, when the pair exchanges vows, “el lazo,” or lasso (often a string of rope) is draped around their shoulders in the shape of a figure eight. Not only does “el lazo” represent the union of the couple, but its shape also resembles the infinity sign, which signifies how long they’re hoping the marriage will last.
Armenia: Balancing Bread on the Couple’s Shoulders
With this ritual, when a newly married Armenian couple enters their wedding reception—typically at the groom’s house—they break a plate for good luck. Then, the mother of the groom gives them lavash flatbread and honey. They eat spoonfuls of the honey to symbolize happiness, and they balance the bread on their shoulders to counteract evil spirits.
Congo: Concealing a Smile on the Wedding Day
While most soon-to-be spouses brim with excitement leading up to and on their big day, Congolese couples have to keep their happiness in check. Throughout the entirety of their wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception, the two are not allowed to crack a smile, as grinning is evidence that they aren’t serious about marriage.
China: Shooting the Bride With a Bow and Arrow
In China, a prospective husband shoots his bride with a bow and (head-less) arrow several times. After collecting the arrows, he breaks each of them during the ceremony to ensure their love lasts forever.
France: Cutting a Heart into a White Sheet
In contemporary French ceremonies, the newlyweds often walk through a cut-out heart that’s carved into a white sheet. This ritual has evolved from a tradition in small French villages, in which children obstructed the bride’s path down the aisle with white ribbons, which forced her to cross through them. The purpose was to represent the bride overcoming any challenges that might come her way in her marriage.
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