Fun Wedding Facts From Around The World
They say that love is the international language. So, here are a few wedding facts to celebrate the feeling known around the world:
- Instead of rice, peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds. (All I know is, people had best be throwing lightly. I’m not trying to dance the night away in a white dress covered in green stains… not good.)
- Historically, Danish men and women cross dressed in order to confuse evil spirits. (My cousin Kelly wanted to do this for a Halloween themed wedding… shortly thereafter, she was overruled… by everyone else helping her pay for the ceremony.)
- Most Moroccan women take a milk bath before their wedding day to purify themselves. (A good cleansing never hurt anyone… unless, in this case, you’re lactose intolerant.)
- One of history’s earliest engagement rings was given to Henry VIII’s daughter, Princess Mary, at the ripe old age of two. (I’ve heard of being prepared, but that may be playing it a little TOO safe.)
- The most expensive wedding ever was the marriage of Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s son to Princess Salama in Dubai in May of 1981. It cost a staggering $44 million. (Hmmm, right around my bridal budget :))
- In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds’ hearth. (I think we’ll just stick with the unity candle.)
- Queen Victoria’s cake weighed an extraordinary 300 pounds. (Please refer to I Love Wedding Cake, But Seriously???)
- Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party. (Haha, figures. I mean did you see the movie 300??? Those men were all sorts of crazy!)
- Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century. (Thank goodness! I love me some bling!)
- A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage. (Seems like a lot of work, and Lord knows I’m not trying to strain myself :))
No matter what traditions your culture, religion or families may have, just remember that they all play second fiddle to the love that made it possible to showcase them in the first place. John Lennon said it best, “All You Need Is Love!”
Leave a Comment May 22, 2009
