Have you ever wondered why certain traditions and beliefs still govern and influence weddings today? From the white dress to the veil, rituals and superstitions from every culture have been carried down through each generation.
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While tracing the origins of these superstitions may be difficult, these practices have managed – in one form or another – to survive the test of time.
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Egypt
During Egyptian weddings, they literally tie the hands of couples together to signify their union, hence the use of the common phrase “tying the knot”. The bride’s family also needs to do all the cooking for the whole week after the wedding day. This is to ensure the new couple gets to relax.
Italy
In Italy, traditional families believe that at a wedding there are evil spirits who are jealous of the bride and she, therefore, needs to wear a veil. This is supposed to disguise her from the evil spirits. The wearing of the veil has since been adopted by many countries today.
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Morocco
In Morocco, the bride needs to take a bath in milk before their wedding ceremony. This is supposed to purify them, but the amount of milk used is rather disturbing since it’s just wasted.
India
When it rains during a wedding, then it is a sign that the wedding is blessed, and it will be a fertile marriage. The belief is that couples would have children very quickly, starting from within a year of the marriage.
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France
In France, they believe that you need to carry the bride over the threshold into a new home. The practice is carried out to avoid bringing any evil spirits into the house. The groom, therefore, needs to carry the bride into their new home.
Czech Republic
Instead of throwing rice at the newlyweds, in the Czech Republic, they actually throw peas. According to such traditions, it ensures the fertility of the couple. But how painful could that actually be?
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Sweden
Sweden has one of the most interesting superstitions to date. In each shoe, a bride needs to put a silver coin that comes from her father and a gold coin that she gets from her mother. They believe that this will ensure they will never struggle financially and will always be provided for.
Japan
Ever wondered why the bride needs to be in white? Well, in Japan, the tradition has long been an intricately-detailed white kimono – called shiro-muku – and is a symbol of purity. For the reception, they often change into a coloured kimono, called uchikake, which can symbolise her rebirth into her husband’s family.
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South Korea
When taking their vows, women in South Korea need to wear bright hues of yellow and red. These hues are usually brightly-coloured and synch together in a beautiful way.
Philippines
According to CostFreak’s wedding dress costs, the price of gowns can range from $500 to $6,000 or more. In the Philippines, no matter how expensive the bride’s dress is, it is a customary belief that the bride shouldn’t wear her gown before her wedding. Why? This brings bad luck. Wearing of pearl jewellery, which is another expensive accessory, is also prohibited since it’s considered a bad omen. Maybe more affordable items would bring good fortune, don’t you think?
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Denmark
This is going to sound rather odd, but is entirely true – The bride and groom would actually cross-dress. According to this Danish wedding custom, the cross-dressing practice is supposed to confuse evil spirits.
Holland
In Holland, a pine tree has to be planted right outside the newlyweds’ house. This is supposed to symbolize fertility and bring them luck.
Kenya
In the Kenyan Maasai community, the bride needs to shave off all the hair from her head right before the wedding. This symbolises a new beginning for her and to show that she is starting a new chapter in her life.
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Wedding superstitions are often regarded as unbreakable rituals. Most of them are done to ensure that the couples get positive vibes before, during, and after the wedding, and of course, there’s nothing to lose if you choose to follow them.
However, this does not mean that you cannot incorporate your own values and follow trends that you want. As it’s your wedding day, you’re entitled to make a few changes – after all, it’s just a bit of superstition.
