Marriage Hits Cultures Differently!

DIFFERENT CULTURES, DIFFERENT WEDDING RITUALS

Most ancient societies needed a safe environment for the survival of the species, as well as a set of rules for granting property rights and protecting bloodlines. These requirements were met by the institution of marriage. Marriage is a Middle English word that first appeared around 1250-1300 CE. The ancient institution, on the other hand, most likely to predate this date. Previously, the primary aim of marriage was to serve as a family ally. Families have arranged marriages for spouses throughout history and still today. The majority of couples marry for financial reasons rather than romance.

Throughout history, marriage has been seen as a shield from the law, and it has become society’s standard over time; Marriage with the states coexisted. Marriage was the evidence of being a family before the law; A marriage of love and a convenience marriage.

 

Wedding traditions vary widely across the world, influenced by geography, history, religious values, and political structures. Let’s have a look at different countries on these fascinating marriage rituals together.

 

RUSSIA

Wedding loaf is an interesting and traditional ritual of the Russians. A woman with a happy marriage and many children knead the dough of a specially cooked loaf. On the day of the wedding, the groom and bride bite the loaf. It is assumed that the person who bites the most will be the head of the family.

 

ITALY

In Italy, it is believed that marrying on a Sunday will bring you good fortune. The bride and groom have a ritual of tying the knot in front of the chapel. Guests are expected to perform the Tarantelle, a traditional Southern Italian dance, at the wedding ceremony. In this way, it is thought that wealth and peace will come to the married couple’s life.

FINLAND

At their weddings, Finnish brides wear a handcrafted gold crown. Following the ceremony, the bride gives her crown to one of the single young girls gathered around her. The chosen girl is expected to be married as soon as possible.

UNITED KINGDOM

The bell is started ringing to protect the bride and groom’s marriage from evil spirits as they enter and exit the church where their wedding ceremony will take place. Moreover, guests at the wedding blow flowers at the bride and groom candidate. The couple is expected to start a happy family with this manner.

 

GERMANY

Guests arriving at a wedding in Germany sprinkle rice on the bride and groom to symbolize fertility. According to legend, the more rice grains in the bride’s hair, the more children the couple will have.

 

Aslı Diken

 

 

References

-13 beautiful wedding traditions from around the world. (2018, March 20). The Venue Report. https://www.venuereport.com/roundups/13-beautiful-wedding-traditions-from-around-the-world/

-A brief history of marriage and how it has evolved. (2019). The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/history-of-marriage-2300616

-Fielding, S. (2018, April 18). 12 ways wedding traditions differ around the world. Insider. https://www.insider.com/wedding-traditions-around-the-world-2018-4#in-germany-a-couples-strength-is-tested-literally-4