1/ Mourners in China. Because it makes you happy, because it freaks you out too, we usually cry at least once when our wedding is approaching. And in China, they don't do things by halves! A month before the wedding, the bride must cry for an hour, EVERY day, to show her joy. Ten days later, the mother joins her. Then ten more days, the grandmother joins them. That's a lot of Kleenex!
2/ Whale's tooth in Fiji. This is what the suitor must bring to the doing of his sweetheart to ask for her hand. It's called "tabua", a symbol of high social status and good health. On the other hand, he is not obliged to fish it himself...
3/ Sugar and banknotes in Greece. Sometimes a piece of sugar is slipped into the bride's glove to symbolize the sweetness of the upcoming wedding. That's not all, since it is also customary to hang bills on the bride's dress to wish her prosperity and wealth... and to dance the "Money Dance" (yes, yes).
4/ A spit in Kenya. It is the groom's father who sends it over his daughter's head and chest to bless her. Thank you, Paps’.
5/ Door to door with a pillowcase in Finland. To ask for gifts. During the ride, the bride is covered with a parasol or umbrella, held by an older man. Symbol of protection for the new bride…
6/ The marriage proposal on odd days in Russia. And never on Wednesdays and Fridays, the month of May or -worse- the 13th of the month! Superstitious, these Russians.
7/ Ordeal by fire in Mongolia. On the day of the wedding, the future husband will pick up his sweetheart in a carriage. During the journey, the lovers attend a spectacle of games and competitions. On site, a horseman offers them a meal before lighting two fires that the newlyweds must ride in a carriage, to show that they are capable of facing future difficulties.
8/ The kiss to the bride in Denmark. And yes, anyone can do it to him…and on his mouth. As for the groom, his right sock is pierced. It would be a sign of fidelity (because kills love…). Nice for the bride!
