Wedding Traditions From Around The World That Will Shock You

Something borrowed, something blue, something old, some paste, some butterfat. Weddings are a different affair around the world. Some of these strange wedding traditions could take your wedding from beautiful to extreme very quickly.

Kidnapping the Bride, Czechia

It sounds much more ominous than it is! At some point during the party, the groomsmen will kidnap the bride. It symbolizes two things. First, it symbolizes the bride’s separation from her parents.

Second, it symbolizes that the groom, who either has to find her or pay ransom for her, will always care for her.

Blackening, Scotland

Nothing says ‘love’ like getting covered in muck together. A few days prior to the wedding, both the bride and groom are captured by family and friends. They’re then covered in treacle, soot, and flour. It’s meant to ward off evil spirits.

Sawing the Log, Germany

No relationship is without obstacles. The sawing of the log, which the bride and groom do together, is meant to be the first obstacle the couple overcomes. Talk about a lot of pressure!

It’s no wonder the couple above chose a log that was already quartered.

Haldi Ceremony, India

Haldi paste is a paste made of turmeric, water or rose water, and sandalwood powder. It not only has a vibrant color, but a strong smell as well.

During the ceremony, relatives of the couple apply the paste to five body parts: the face/neck, hands, knees, arms and feet. It has two purposes. First, it’s meant to ward off the evil eye.

Secondly, the yellow color that comes from the turmeric is thought to be auspicious.