Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming.
To help you create the perfect day for your special occasion, why not explore some of the weirdest wedding traditions from around the world?
From throwing rice to handfasting ceremonies, plenty of unique customs have been passed down through generations – all with a fascinating history behind them.
So if you’re looking to add something truly original and unexpected to your big day, look no further than these weird wedding traditions.
Weird Wedding Traditions
1. Unusual Traditions from Around the World
There are several strange wedding traditions from around the world.
For example, in some parts of India, newlyweds bathe in honey and milk as part of their marriage rituals.
In Scotland, brides may carry a lump of coal with them to symbolize luck.
Additionally, in Greece, it is traditional for couples to break a plate before they exchange vows as a sign of good luck.
Another unique tradition from the Philippines is that couples have to go through a mock “marriage abduction.”
Her friends and family members take the bride away, and the groom has to pay money or perform tasks to get her back.
Throwing Things at the Newlyweds
2. Throwing Rice
The history of throwing rice at weddings dates back centuries. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to newlyweds.
Ancient cultures such as the Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all threw grains like wheat or barley during wedding ceremonies.
In modern times, rice has become a popular substitute for these ancient grains due to its abundance and affordability.
Benefits of throwing rice include bringing good luck and fertility to the couple’s marriage.
Rice symbolizes abundance in many cultures, making it ideal for celebrating a new union between two people.
Throwing rice is also a great way to involve guests in your special day by allowing them to participate in this traditional custom.
If you are looking for alternatives to throwing rice, plenty of options available can be just as meaningful while being more eco-friendly too.
Birdseed is one option that will provide food for birds while still providing a celebratory atmosphere with its bright colors and pleasant smell when thrown into the air.
Confetti made from biodegradable materials like paper or tissue can also be used instead of rice if you want something more festive than grainy seeds flying through the air.
Other ideas include blowing bubbles or tossing flower petals over the bride and groom as they walk down the aisle after saying their vows.
3. Other Unusual Things Thrown at Newlyweds
Around the world, people throw a range of strange things at newlyweds.
In China, people may throw coins to wish prosperity upon the couple.
In Scotland, guests may tie pieces of ribbon together and throw them toward the newlyweds for good luck.
Additionally, in the Philippines, guests may throw flowers or fruits at the couple as a sign of fertility and abundance.
Other things that have been known to be thrown include confetti, candy, and rose petals.
Jumping the Broom
4. Jumping the broom
This ancient African-American tradition symbolizes sweeping away the past and starting anew as a married couple.
The history of jumping the broom dates back to West Africa, where it was used in marriage ceremonies by many tribes.
Sometimes, couples would jump over a single broomstick or two crossed brooms.
This ritual has been passed down through generations and is still practiced today in many African-American weddings.
Benefits of Jumping the Broom include honoring one’s heritage and culture, creating a memorable moment for guests, and providing an opportunity for family members to be involved in the ceremony.
It also serves as a reminder of commitment between partners; when they jump together over the broomstick, they are symbolically leaving their old lives behind them and entering into their new life together as husband and wife.
Suppose you don’t want to use traditional brooms during your wedding ceremony.
In that case, several alternatives are available such as ribbon wands or decorated sticks with ribbons attached at either end, which family members can hold up.
At the same time, you both walk under them instead of jumping over them.
You could also have guests wave sparklers or lighted candles around you while you exchange vows if you prefer something more dramatic than jumping over a broomstick.
Breaking Glass
5. Breaking glass
This is a Jewish wedding tradition that symbolizes joy and celebration in marriage.
The glass breaking is usually done at the end of the ceremony after the couple has been pronounced husband and wife.
This ritual dates back to ancient times when it was believed that breaking something precious would ward off evil spirits.
History of Breaking Glass
Breaking glass at weddings has its roots in Judaism, where it is known as “kiddushin” or “bedeken” (the blessing).
In traditional ceremonies, a groom will break a wineglass with his foot while reciting an appropriate blessing for his bride.
It is also customary for guests to join in by stomping on pieces of broken glass placed on top of each other.
Benefits of Breaking Glass
Many benefits are associated with this tradition, including creating an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement and signifying unity between two people who have just become one through marriage.
Additionally, breaking glass serves as a reminder to both parties that their commitment should be strong enough to withstand any challenges they may face throughout their lives together.
Alternatives to Breaking Glass
Suppose you don’t want to use actual glass during your ceremony. In that case, there are several alternatives available such as using paper plates or plastic cups instead, which can still provide similar symbolism without risking injury from broken shards of glass.
Other options include using colored sand or confetti instead, which can be just as meaningful but much safer than real glassware.
When incorporating this ritual into your wedding ceremony, ensure you take safety precautions, such as wearing protective footwear like steel-toed boots or shoes covered with thick socks, so no one gets hurt if any pieces fly outwards during the process.
Additionally, consider providing guests with noise-canceling headphones so they won’t be startled by loud noises created by smashing glasses against each other.
Finally, practice beforehand so everyone knows what’s expected and how best to proceed when it comes time for the big moment.
Handfasting Ceremonies
6. Handfasting
is an ancient Celtic ritual that has been used for centuries to signify a couple’s commitment to each other in marriage.
It involves the joining of hands, often with ribbons or cords, and can be incorporated into modern wedding ceremonies as a way to honor tradition.
History of Handfasting Ceremony
The practice of handfasting dates back thousands of years and was originally part of pagan weddings.
In some cultures, it was believed that couples who joined hands were bound together in spirit until death do them part.
Over time, the ritual evolved and became more widely accepted by different faiths around the world.
Today, many couples choose to incorporate handfasting into their wedding ceremony as a symbol of their love and commitment.
Benefits of Handfasting Ceremony
Handfasting is an incredibly meaningful way for couples to express their love for one another on their special day.
By joining hands during this traditional ritual, they declare publically their intention to remain together forever – no matter what life throws at them.
Additionally, it can be used as a symbolic gesture between two families coming together in union through marriage, thus creating even stronger bonds between both sides involved in the ceremony.
Alternatives to Handfasting Ceremony
While handfasting is still popular among many cultures and religions, alternatives are available if you’re looking for something unique or non-traditional.
Some examples include exchanging rings or vows instead; writing your own personal promises on paper; lighting candles or releasing balloons; tying ribbons around trees; planting flowers together; signing a contract/document outlining your commitments; etc.
If you decide that incorporating handfasting into your wedding ceremony is right for you, then here are some tips on how best to go about it.
First, ensure everyone knows what will happen beforehand so they can participate fully when the time comes (this includes any guests who may not have heard about this tradition before).
Secondly, try using colored ribbons representing different aspects, such as love and loyalty (red), friendship and joy (yellow) etc.
Finally, remember that while this moment should feel special, it doesn’t need to be overly long – just enough time so everyone present can witness your exchange without feeling rushed.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at some of the weird wedding traditions from around the world, and it’s amazing to see how different cultures have their own unique way of celebrating a union.
From throwing rice to jumping the broom, handfasting ceremonies to breaking glass – these are all interesting ways couples can honor their commitment and make their special day even more memorable.
No matter what kind of weird wedding tradition you choose for your big day, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
