| Want to add a little something extra to your wedding? By
incorporating a custom from another country into your nuptials,
you can honor your own cultural heritage or begin a new family
tradition. Or maybe you just always wanted to know where the
money dance came from...
Africa: Jumping the Broom
While the custom of a bride and groom jumping over a broom
is believed to have many origins, the symbolism of sweeping
away the old and beginning a new life together still rings
true today. The ritual can be included in your wedding ceremony
just after your vows, or as the bridal party first enters
the reception area. Ceremonial brooms can be purchased at
ethnic stores, but many brides choose to decorate their own.
You might also consider having your wedding guests help. Place
a basket of different colored ribbons by the broom and have
each guest tie on a strand as they enter the ceremony or reception.
Belgium & Scotland: Wedding Handkerchief
In both countries, families pass down an embroidered handkerchief
worn tucked inside the wedding dress bodice as the bride walks
down the aisle. Each bride stitches her name, her groom's
name and their wedding date (sometimes along with a small
picture or symbol) on the cloth. The handkerchief is then
taken by the newest bride, framed and hung in her new house
for all to see. Nothing like that to be passed down to you?
Why not start the tradition? It might seem bare with only
your name and date, but think how much your great-great-great
grandchildren will enjoy it. In 200 years, they'll walk down
the aisle with a little remembrance of your glorious day tucked
in their gown for good luck!
Bermuda: Plant a Tree
In Bermuda, newly married couples plant a tree to symbolize
their union. Especially if you already have a house, it's
a nice reminder that through the years, as the tree grows,
so does your love! Your future children might thank you for
the shade or the swings you can hang from it, and Mother Nature
will surely appreciate it.
Czechoslovakia: Rosemary Wreath
Czechoslovakian brides wear a wreath made of rosemary to symbolize
their loyalty, love and wisdom. If you or your groom is of
Czech descent but you already have a headpiece that doesn't
include rosemary, why not add a few sprigs to your bouquet
or his boutonniere?
France: Silver Goblet
In ancient France, newlyweds drank a toast from a two-handed
silver goblet that was passed down through the family. Even
if you're not French, you might consider purchasing a special
goblet or set of glasses to be passed down in your family.
Future brides will thank you!
Greece: A Crown of Flowers
During ceremonies in Greece, both the bride and the groom
are crowned with a wreath of flowers by the groom's godfather.
If your groom isn't keen on this, but you don't have your
headpiece selected yet, you might consider incorporating flowers
into your hair as a nod to your Grecian ancestors.
Holland: Evergreen Canopy
Family and friends throw a pre-wedding party for engaged couples
in Holland during which they sit under a canopy of evergreen.
You can include this Dutch tradition in smaller ways in your
own wedding. As a symbol of your everlasting love, add sprigs
of evergreen in your bouquet, your groom's boutonniere, or
the table centerpieces.
India: Henna and Handprints
The joining of hands is an important symbol to Indian couples.
Newlyweds have their hands decorated with designs using henna
dye, and usually leave their handprints on the outside door
of their new home for good luck. You and your loved one can
continue this tradition at your home by setting your handprints
in a new walkway, a garden stone or a wall plaque. Handprint
kits -- now very popular for capturing the prints of new babies
-- can be found at local craft stores and some baby retailers.
Ireland: Lucky Lace
The luck of the Irish is well-known, so even if your family
tree is less-than-green, you might include some of the wedding
traditions they use in Ireland. New Year's Day is considered
an extremely lucky day on which to be wed. Irish lace sewn
into the bride's gown is also thought to bring good fortune;
as is a horseshoe hung over their newlyweds' front door. And
Irish wedding bands, Claddagh rings (sometimes used as friendship
rings in America) are still very popular; the heart, crown
and hands symbolizing love, loyalty and friendship.
Italy: Flowers for the Road
Instead of old cans or shoes or shaving cream, Italian wedding
guests decorate the front grill of the car the newlyweds will
drive with flowers to symbolize the road to a happy marriage.
Jewish Tradition: A Luxurious Bath
In Orthodox Jewish tradition, the bride is given a ritual
bath, called mikvah, often made up of rainwater. Every bride
could take a cue from this tradition and pamper herself before
the ceremony with a relaxing bath. And for extra luck, add
a bit of rainwater!
Mexico: Silk and Hearts
Some Mexican couples are joined during the marriage ceremony
by a white silk cord around their shoulders. After the ceremony,
the guests form a heart-shaped circle around the newlyweds,
who take their first dance inside the ring of love. You can
incorporate white silk or hearts as a motif in your wedding
to give it a south of the border flair.
Poland: The Money Dance
The money dance -- when guests take turns dancing with the
bride in exchange for small amounts of money -- began in Poland.
Legend has it that the custom began as a way for friends and
family to help a poor farmer come up with a suitable dowry
for his daughter. Today the money dance (also known as a "dollar
dance") is typically used to help the newlywed couple
finance their honeymoon.
Romania: Candy Wishes
Wedding guests in Romania shower the newlywed couple with
nuts and candy to symbolize prosperity. Place bowls of candy-covered
nuts around your wedding reception tables to ensure your guests
enjoy the same.
Scotland: Heather for Luck
In Scotland even today, it is traditional for the groom and
his wedding party to have boutonnieres of white heather. The
rugged flower that covers the Scottish hills is worn for luck
and an longlasting union that can weather any storm.
Spain: Orange Blossoms
Spanish brides often embroider a shirt for the groom to wear
on their wedding day. They themselves walk down the aisle
adorned with orange blossoms and a mantilla, a light scarf
of lace worn over the head and shoulders. Depending on the
time of year, orange blossoms make a lovely addition to any
bouquet... especially significant for the Orange Couty bride!
Sweden: Sweet-smelling Herbs
In ancient days, brides in Sweden carried a bouquet of herbs,
a good luck omen thought to keep trolls away. The groom also
got into the act, having a twig of thyme sewn in his clothes.
Any herbs added to your bouquet or your groom's boutonniere
will not only make an attractive addition, but a sweet-smelling
one as well!
Wales: Gifts of Myrtle
Brides in Wales give their attendants gifts of myrtle. If
the flower blooms, it's said to foretell another wedding.
As an updated twist, why not add some of the white or rose-colored
flowers to your bridesmaids' bouquets? If the myrtle works,
you might soon be a matron of honor.
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