Unusual marriage rituals and customs from around the world

[bobcat]

I had read that in Scotland they had a custom of what was called the "Blackening of the bride and groom" where friends and family cover the couple in soot, feathers, spoiled milk, flour and other messy substances. I guess the idea was that if you can endure this humiliation, you can endure anything in marriage. I have no idea if it's still occasionally done, but it does have an interesting point. That being said, I'm pretty sure that a $1000 wedding dress and tux were off the table.

There are likely many practices that have been integrated into the marriage ceremony and celebration that follows throughout the years. Weddings and the associated rituals seem to often reflect societal perceptions of the tradition. We are indeed an imaginative species.

 

[horseless carriage]

According to Irish folklore, evil fairies or, the little people, are attracted to beautiful things, particularly brides. It was believed that if a bride lifted both feet while dancing, it gave the fairies an edge, or the upper hand, making it easier for them to sweep her away and steal her.
To stay safe, the bride is supposed to keep at least one foot on the ground at all times during the reception dancing.

This tradition highlights the ancient Irish, often pagan-rooted, belief in protecting the newlyweds from misfortune, mischief, and supernatural interference. The "dancing feet" rule is often practiced alongside other similar traditions, such as avoiding wearing green (the fairies' color), wearing a sixpence in the shoe for wealth, or having a happily married woman fasten the veil.

While modern Irish weddings rarely fear actual fairy abduction, this tradition is still remembered or jokingly observed to ensure good luck on the wedding day

 

[hearlady]

I had read that in Scotland they had a custom of what was called the "Blackening of the bride and groom" where friends and family cover the couple in soot, feathers, spoiled milk, flour and other messy substances. I guess the idea was that if you can endure this humiliation, you can endure anything in marriage. I have no idea if it's still occasionally done, but it does have an interesting point. That being said, I'm pretty sure that a $1000 wedding dress and tux were off the table.

There are likely many practices that have been integrated into the marriage ceremony and celebration that follows throughout the years. Weddings and the associated rituals seem to often reflect societal perceptions of the tradition. We are indeed an imaginative species.

Good topic!

 

[Paco Dennis]

In South Korea after the wedding ceremony, but before the groom can leave with his new wife, his friends and family remove his shoes and tie his ankles together. They take turns hitting the soles of his feet with a dried fish (specifically a yellow corvina) or a bamboo stick. It is meant to test the groom’s strength and character. It’s more of a playful "hazing" than an act of cruelty, often involving a lot of laughing and trivia questions.

 

[BJintheUK]

In South Korea after the wedding ceremony, but before the groom can leave with his new wife, his friends and family remove his shoes and tie his ankles together. They take turns hitting the soles of his feet with a dried fish (specifically a yellow corvina) or a bamboo stick. It is meant to test the groom’s strength and character. It’s more of a playful "hazing" than an act of cruelty, often involving a lot of laughing and trivia questions.

Reminds me of the old Chinese punishment of being "bastinadoed" or beaten on the soles of the feet. Here's an AI explanation of the act.

"
The term bastinado originates from the Spanish word bastón (stick/baton) and the French bastonade (beating), referring to a form of corporal punishment involving beating the soles of the feet with a stick or whip. While documented in 16th-century Europe and 10th-century China, the practice is believed to date back to antiquity, with possible references in biblical texts.
"

 

[Messy]

I saw once on instagram that the bride in Nigeria looks grumpy until she gets a load of money.

 

[bobcat]

I saw once on instagram that the bride in Nigeria looks grumpy until she gets a load of money.

Wow, that's crazy. I'm not sure I understand it, but it seems like she is declaring herself a "bride" but is available to the highest bidder. I imagine there is a bit more to it that I'm missing, but it's certainly a different path to the alter.