Wedding Traditions

Wedding Traditions: what does it mean to have a traditional wedding? How did they originate? Is it wrong not to have a traditional wedding? Why do the older generation get upset when traditions are broken? How can I mix the old traditions into a modern wedding?

First it is necessary to separate Wedding Superstitions from traditions. Click on the following link for: wedding superstitions.

The definition of tradition, taken from The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Ed, is:

From this we can understand the older generations upset at the breaking of traditions, due to the fear they will be lost if not incorporated into the new generations life and that the new generation will forget to pass them on. Many regard following traditions as a sign of respect, not only to their elders, but also to their religion or faith. However, it is not wrong to break with tradition. In doing so, you may be starting a new tradition! Read on to find out how such traditions originated.

Wedding Traditions From Around The World:

Having said wedding traditions should not be confused with wedding superstitions, many contain symbolism, superstitions, folklore as well as having religions connotations. Here are some that I have researched. Click on the following links:

- African American
- Australian
- Buddhist
- Californian
- Chinese
- Filipino
- Greek
- Indian
- Italian
- Irish
- Japanese
- Jewish
- Middle Eastern
- Scottish
- Spanish
- Welsh

This list will be added to, or email me if you cannot find what you are looking for. If you are looking for catering ideas, then click on the following links:

- Arabian Banquet
- Australian Wedding Banquet
- Chinese Wedding Banquet Table Setting
- English Wedding Menu
- Indian Wedding Feast
- Irish Wedding Feast
- Japanese Wedding Banquet
- Kosher Wedding Menu
- Scottish Feast
- Vegetarian Wedding Menu
- Welsh Wedding Menu

Again, if you cannot find what you are looking for let me know and I will research it for you (NO FEE involved!).

The Origin Of Wedding Traditions:

“Weddings” are thought to have originated centuries ago from ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used a gold “wedding band” to symbolize the joining of a couple for eternity. In most cultures “best dress” was worn as the joining of two people represented a significant celebration. The “best mans” original role was to help the groom abduct and hide his bride safely until the search for her was over. The bride standing on the left hand side of the groom was to enable the groom to draw his sword or pistol should the need arise against any foes. The breaking of “cake” over the bride’s head is said to have originated from Roman times, the cake symbolic of fertility.

Finally, the origin of “Honeymoons” is blurred. The most popular theory is that they are of Northern European/Scandinavian origin. A honey wine drink called mead was given to the couple for the first month of their marriage. It is suggested that the mead would improve fertility.

Here is a Western rhyme that some observed when choosing their wedding day. Today it is all but forgotten as the majority of people marry on a Saturday!