Every couple celebrates their love in different ways. Sometimes it is through age-old traditions that they step into the wedding. No matter where you are in the world, marriage traditions, much like other traditions, not only differ from place to place across the globe but can also stun you with their absurd tradition.
Even though wedding traditions differ across from place to place, the common thread is the idea of spreading love and happiness. While some wedding traditions and customs may throw you off, others may leave you gobsmacked and some might even seem a little offensive.
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Here are 7 weirdest wedding traditions from around the world:
1. First, marry a tree
In India, a Hindu woman born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, it is considered that the woman is cursed, according to custom. However, if that woman gets married, it is believed that the woman might witness early widowhood. Fortunately, there’s a remedy: Marry a tree first, then have it cut down to break the evil spell.
2. Cry for an hour everyday
Certain parts of China, crying is a required part of the preparation for marriage while weddings are often an emotional affair. A month before their forthcoming nuptials, Tujia brides will cry for one hour each day.
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3. Served leftover food
In French customs, the newlyweds were earlier served with leftover food and drink in a chamber pot, by a guest, which is meant to give the couple wedding night energy. But now, it has been tweaked over the years. They are now given a mix of chocolate and champagne.
4. No bathroom for 3 days straight
Tidong people in Malaysia and Indonesia do not let the couple use the bathroom for 3 days straight or even leave the house after their wedding. There is in fact a guard who keeps an eye on them and they can eat small amounts of food and drink to survive. This is done for good luck and prevention of breakup or death of their would-be-children.
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5. Smash the plates
While this is done as an act of joy, Greeks believe a joyous occasion or celebration attracts evil spirits. To ward it off, plates are smashed to indicate that such a violent and aggressive act means no celebration can take place anywhere near.
6. No smiling on the wedding day
Wedding days are supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. Apparently not in some parts of Congo! Congolese nuptials are not about love, they are serious affairs that take place after two families have negotiated the bride’s “price” and exchanged, most commonly, for livestock.
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7. Face and body blackening
In Scotland, friends of the bride and groom blacken the would-be-couple with treacle, soot, feathers and flour. They are then made to parade on the streets which is actually meant to ward off evil spirits!