Unique customary practices, superstitions, and rituals are what set wedding ceremonies apart from each other. From
stolen shoes in India, ransoming the bride in Russia, to burying bourbon in Southern USA, here are 5 of the most
interesting and zany wedding customs from all over the world:
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Burying Bourbon in Southern USA
In some of America's southern states, they practice all sorts of superstitious beliefs and rituals which have
also influenced their wedding traditions. One of their most distinct practices is burying a full bottle of bourbon
at or near the wedding venue exactly one month before the couple exchange vows.
Southerners believe that this tradition can help ward off rain during the wedding day. Regardless if the weather
plays along or not, the bourbon will be dug up, shared and enjoyed by everyone during the reception.
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Joota Chupai (Hiding the Shoes) of India
Joota Chupai is a jovial ritual present in almost all Indian weddings. This famous Indian tradition can only be
characterized in two words, mischievous and fun. Joota is a traditional Indian footwear with complex patterns
embroidered all over it. It is what the typical Hindu groom usually sports during the wedding ceremony.
On his way to the mandap (altar), the groom will take off his shoes marking the start of the ritual.
Consequently, the bride's family would attempt to steal or hide the shoes in order to hold it hostage for the
groom to ransom it later on. The groom’s family, on the other hand, will try their best to thwart the bride’s
family and friends from stealing the shoes.
This tradition is meant to symbolize both sides of the family’s willingness to share a lifetime of laughter and
fun together.
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Russia’s Ransom Bride
Russia’s tradition of vykup nevesty or buying out the bride is one of the most playful and mischievous wedding
practices around the world. This tradition kicks off with the bride’s family and friends stealing and hiding her
away from the groom.
In order for him to get his bride back, a series of challenges designed and arranged by the bridesmaids need to
be completed. If the groom fails to complete a challenge, he has to pay either real cash or any kind of gift as
compensation.
This playful tradition is meant to symbolize that Russian women will never settle for a man who
will not fight tooth and nail for them.
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The Crying Brides of China
An existing wedding custom in an ethnic group from China requires the bride to cry on purpose for an hour each
day one month before the wedding. 10 days later, her mother joins in, and then another 10 days later, her
grandmother joins them both. By the end of the month, every female in the family is expected to cry alongside the
bride.
It’s meant to signify extreme happiness towards the upcoming wedding. On the wedding day, as the women weep in
different tones, it produces a sound almost like a song.
Historically, Asian women were inferior to men. Although gender equality
in most Asian countries has already come a long way since, this Chinese wedding custom reflects the highly
patriarchal societies of the past.
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Peru’s Cintas de la Torta or Cake Pull
This Latin wedding tradition is equivalent to the bouquet toss. In a typical Peruvian wedding, the wedding cake
is purposely baked with strings in it. One of the strings is attached to a ring buried inside the cake.
During the reception, Latina guests are then invited to gather around the wedding
cake and choose which end of the string they’d like to pull. Whoever pulls a string with the ring tied to it is
believed to be the next bride.
If you plan to marry a foreign bride, having at least a bit of
an idea on how different cultures hold their wedding ceremonies is of immense importance. You might find these
wedding customs a bit bizarre, however, they are a reflection of a country’s culture and heritage.
