We all know the typical wedding traditions in the U.S., such as throwing the bouquet and the cutting of the cake, but American traditions are not universal. Every culture has their own beautiful and interesting ways of celebrating love. Here are just a few of the customs that are practiced around the world.
1. U.S.A.: The Cake Pull
This is an American tradition that I was unaware of until my cousins did this as bridesmaids. In some parts of the southern U.S., sterling silver charms are put into the wedding cake. These charms are attached to ribbons or bracelets and members of the wedding party pull them out before the cutting of the cake. Each charm has a different meaning, such as a Mardi Gras mask for being the life of the party, garlic for a life full of spice, or a trolley car for life full of travel and adventure.
2. India: Tree Marriage
Some Indians believe that girls born during a certain astrological period are cursed to become widows. To break the curse, the woman marries a tree that will then be cut down. After the tree is felled the curse should be broken and she is free to marry an actual human without the worry that they will die any time soon.
3. South Korea: Kireogi
In South Korea, it used to be custom for the groom to present a live wild goose, or kireogi, to his new mother-in-law. Wild geese mate for life, so this was to symbolize that he would love her daughter for the rest of his life. Nowadays, rather than presenting an actual goose, the groom presents a wooden one.
4. Norway: Kransekake
.jpg)
In Norwegian weddings, the wedding cake is often a kransekake. A kransekake is a special cake that is a tower of iced almond cake rings. The cake is commonly made with a hollow center to contain a wine bottle.
5. Cuba: Money Dress Dance
In Cuba, it is traditional for guests to pin money on the bride’s extravagant dress after they dance with her. This money is the guests’ way of donating to the newlyweds’ honeymoon fund.
