10+ Wedding Traditions That Prove Love Knows No Limits

Weddings are celebrated differently across cultures, with traditions that range from romantic to downright bizarre. While some customs focus on love and unity, others involve challenges, superstitions, and even a bit of suffering for the couple. Here are 10+ unusual wedding traditions from different cultures that highlight the diversity of matrimonial celebrations worldwide.

1. Spitting on the Bride – Kenya (Maasai Tribe)

• Origin and Cultural Context: In Maasai culture, spitting is a well-established gesture of goodwill and respect. Elders commonly use it as a blessing, whether by spitting on newborns or as part of traditional greetings, such as shaking hands. This practice symbolizes the transfer of wisdom, protection, and good fortune from one person to another, reinforcing the deep cultural belief in the power of spoken words and physical gestures.
• Spitting on the Bride: On her wedding day, it is customary for the bride’s father to spit on her head and chest as a symbolic blessing. Rather than being an act of disrespect, this gesture is meant to wish her prosperity, happiness, and a successful transition into her new life. Within Maasai traditions, spit is seen as a conduit for positive energy, ensuring the bride carries her family’s goodwill into her marriage.

The tradition holds multiple layers of meaning:

• Blessing: The father’s spit is believed to carry his well wishes for a joyful and prosperous marriage.
• Protection: The ritual serves to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, safeguarding the bride on her wedding day and beyond.
• Fertility: In Maasai culture, fertility is highly valued, and this act is also associated with blessings for an abundant and fruitful married life.

2. Blackening the Bride – Scotland

• Origin: Blackening is a traditional pre-wedding ritual practiced primarily in rural Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Northern Isles. The custom involves friends and family dousing the bride and/or groom in a messy mix of substances, including mud, flour, and sometimes more unpleasant materials like rotten food or fish guts.
• Historical Context: The origins of blackening are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from an earlier cleansing ritual known as “feet-washing.”

• Symbolism: Historically, blackening was believed to ward off evil spirits and prepare the couple for the inevitable challenges of married life.
• Modern Practice: Today, blackening continues in certain Scottish communities, viewed more as a rite of passage than a superstition. It fosters camaraderie among friends and family, turning the ordeal into a lively and humorous event. The couple is often paraded around town, adding an element of mischief and fun to the tradition.

3. Crying Ritual — China (Tujia People)

• Origin: The crying ritual, known as Zuo Tang (meaning “sitting in the hall”), is a longstanding tradition among the Tujia ethnic minority in Southwest China, particularly in Sichuan Province. Practiced for over 400 years, this custom is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage.
  According to legend, the ritual traces back to the Warring States period, when a princess’s profound sorrow at being married off led to the establishment of this tradition. Her intense weeping was seen as a reflection of the bittersweet nature of marriage—both a joyous union and a painful departure from one’s family

• Duration and Participation: The ritual begins approximately a month before the wedding, with the bride crying alone for about an hour each night. After ten days, her mother joins in, followed by her grandmother ten days later. As the wedding approaches, more female relatives participate, turning the practice into a communal expression of emotion. This collective weeping strengthens family bonds and acknowledges the emotional significance of marriage.
• Symbolism: The crying ritual embodies the dual emotions tied to marriage—joy for the new beginning and sorrow for leaving one’s childhood home. It serves as both an emotional release and a rite of passage, preparing the bride for the transition to her new life while honoring the depth of familial ties.

4. Shoe Stealing — India

• Origin: Joota Chupai is a lighthearted ritual commonly observed in Hindu weddings, particularly in Northern India. The tradition involves the bride’s female relatives playfully stealing the groom’s shoes (jootas) as he prepares to enter the wedding ceremony at the mandap (the sacred wedding altar). While the exact historical origins of this custom are difficult to trace, it has been a beloved part of Indian wedding celebrations for generations.

Purpose: The Joota Chupai tradition serves multiple functions beyond mere amusement.

• Playfulness: The ritual infuses the wedding with laughter and joy, creating an opportunity for friendly teasing and negotiation between the two families.
• Symbolism: The groom’s shoes represent his material status and readiness for marriage. By hiding them, the bride’s family playfully asserts their influence, testing his patience and willingness to "earn" his place.
• Unity: The interaction fosters a sense of camaraderie between both families, reinforcing the idea that marriage is not just a union of two individuals but of two households coming together in harmony.

• Negotiation: Once the shoes are stolen, the groom must engage in a lighthearted bargaining session with the bride’s family to reclaim them. This usually involves offering money, gifts, or humorous promises in exchange for their return, creating an entertaining and memorable moment in the wedding festivities.
• Variability: While Joota Chupai is a staple in many Hindu weddings, its execution can vary based on regional customs and personal preferences. Some weddings may forgo the tradition, while others may adapt it with unique twists to suit the couple’s style and family dynamics.

5. Breaking Dishes – Germany

• Origin and Purpose: The tradition of Polterabend has deep roots in ancient Germanic and Norse customs, where loud noises were believed to drive away evil spirits. This belief aligns with the practice of breaking porcelain, a ritual intended to bring good fortune to the couple. The German saying “Scherben bringen Glück” (shards bring luck) reflects this idea, suggesting that shattered porcelain symbolizes prosperity and happiness in marriage.
• Activities Involved: A Polterabend typically takes place at the bride’s home, where guests gather to break porcelain items such as plates, bowls, and even larger objects like sinks or toilets. The noise generated by the smashing is believed to expel negative energy, ensuring a fresh and lucky start for the newlyweds. The event is a lively and communal affair, often accompanied by laughter, food, and drinks.

• Symbolism: After the breaking of porcelain, the couple is tasked with cleaning up the shards together. This act serves as their first challenge in marriage, symbolizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation. The idea is that, just as they tackle this task together, they will navigate the ups and downs of married life as a united pair.

6. Beating the Groom’s Feet – South Korea

• Overview of the Ritual: The tradition known as balenbai is a playful and lighthearted wedding custom in which the groom’s friends and family remove his shoes and socks, tie his ankles together, and gently beat the soles of his feet. This is typically done using objects such as a stick, a rod, or even dried fish. As part of the ritual, the groom is expected to endure the ordeal while answering riddles or trivia questions posed by the participants.
• Purpose and Atmosphere: The primary purpose of this ritual is to test the groom’s strength and character in a fun and engaging way. It serves as a bonding experience between the groom and his loved ones, adding an element of humor and camaraderie to the wedding festivities. The groom is expected to take the playful “punishment” in stride, symbolizing his resilience and good-natured spirit as he enters married life.
• Cultural Significance: Although this practice may seem unusual, it aligns with other humorous wedding traditions found across various cultures, where grooms are subjected to lighthearted challenges before marriage. The ritual reinforces the importance of friendship, laughter, and shared experiences, highlighting the role of humor in preparing for a lifetime together.

7. Log Cutting – Germany

• Overview of the Tradition: Baumstamm sägen is a traditional German wedding custom in which the newlyweds work together to saw through a thick log. Typically, performed immediately after the wedding ceremony, this ritual represents the couple’s first challenge as a married pair. The act serves as a symbolic demonstration of their ability to cooperate and overcome obstacles together, setting the tone for their future partnership.
• Cultural Significance: Sawing the log is a metaphor for the challenges that marriage may bring. Successfully completing the task requires teamwork, communication, and resilience—key qualities for a strong and enduring relationship. By tackling this symbolic hurdle together, the couple reinforces their commitment to supporting one another through life’s ups and downs.
• Modern Interpretation: Originally rooted in agricultural traditions, where cutting wood was an essential skill, the modern Baumstamm sägen ceremony has evolved into a lighthearted and celebratory moment. While the act itself remains a test of cooperation, it is often met with laughter and cheers from friends and family, adding a sense of fun and festivity to the wedding day.

8. Money Dance – Philippines & Latin America

• In the Philippines, the money dance, also known as the prosperity dance or sabitan ng pera, is a cherished wedding tradition where guests pin money onto the bride’s dress and the groom’s attire as they dance. This practice is a way for guests to offer financial support to the newlyweds, symbolizing prosperity and goodwill for their future together.
  The dance creates a lively and celebratory atmosphere, with guests lining up to take turns dancing with the couple while attaching bills to their clothing. More than just a means of collecting money, the tradition fosters a deep sense of community, reinforcing the idea that family and friends play a vital role in supporting the couple as they begin their married life.

• Presence in Latin America: The money dance is also widely practiced in various Latin American cultures, including Mexico and Spain. While the specifics vary by region, the core tradition remains the same: guests pay for the honor of dancing with the bride or groom, often pinning money onto their attire during the dance. This custom serves as both a symbolic gesture of financial support and a way to engage wedding guests in a joyful, interactive experience.

• Cultural Significance: Beyond the financial contributions, the money dance carries a deeper meaning. It represents community support, well-wishing, and collective joy as the couple embarks on their new journey together. Whether in the Philippines or Latin America, this tradition reflects the blending of cultural heritage and modern wedding customs, ensuring that the newlyweds start their married life surrounded by love, generosity, and encouragement.

9. Doll – Puerto Rico

• Overview of the Tradition: In traditional Puerto Rican weddings, a doll dressed in a bridal gown is often placed at the head table during the reception. Designed to resemble the bride—sometimes even matching her wedding dress—this doll serves as a symbolic centerpiece. It is believed to bring good luck and express appreciation for the guests’ presence at the celebration.
• Gifts for Guests: The doll is typically adorned with charms or decorative trinkets, which are later distributed among the guests. These small keepsakes serve as tokens of gratitude, while also carrying symbolic well-wishes for the bride’s future happiness and prosperity.
• Historical Context: Variations of this tradition have existed throughout history. In some cases, the doll was once dressed in black to symbolize the couple’s commitment “until death do us part.” However, the modern interpretation focuses on celebration, joy, and the collective appreciation of friends and family who share in the couple’s special day.

10. Avoiding the Bathroom – Indonesia

• Overview of the Tradition: Among the Tidong community in Borneo, Indonesia, newlyweds observe a unique ritual in which they are forbidden from using the bathroom for three days following their wedding. During this period, family and friends closely monitor the couple, providing them with only minimal food and water to reduce the need for relief. This practice is believed to be a crucial step in securing a successful and lasting marriage.
• Cultural Beliefs: The ritual is deeply rooted in the belief that enduring this challenge together strengthens the couple’s bond and ensures a long, harmonious union. According to tradition, breaking the rule could invite misfortune, including marital discord, infidelity, or even the premature end of the marriage. The couple’s ability to withstand this test is seen as a reflection of their commitment, patience, and resilience—qualities essential for a strong relationship.
• Modern Context: While this tradition may seem extreme or unusual to outsiders, it remains a respected and meaningful practice within the Tidong community. Beyond testing the couple’s endurance, the ritual symbolizes the gravity of marriage and the support system provided by family and friends as the newlyweds transition into their new life together.

11. Kidnapping the Bride — Romania

• Overview of the Tradition: Often referred to as “bride-napping,” this playful and lighthearted custom is a staple of Romanian weddings. At some point during the celebration—typically around midnight—the bride is “abducted” by friends or family members while the groom is momentarily distracted.
• Negotiation for Ransom: Once the bride is taken, the groom must negotiate her return by offering a ransom, which usually involves drinks, humorous challenges, or romantic gestures. A common ransom includes providing alcohol, or performing entertaining acts like singing, dancing, or making a heartfelt declaration of love. This adds an element of fun while also symbolizing the groom’s dedication and willingness to “fight” for his bride.
• Cultural Significance: Though the tradition playfully echoes historical instances of bride abduction by rival clans, it has long since evolved into a symbolic and entertaining event. Rather than implying any real threat, bride-napping is meant to foster a sense of community, keep guests engaged, and enhance the festive atmosphere of the wedding. The lighthearted negotiation process ensures that everyone—especially the couple—shares a memorable and laughter-filled experience.

While wedding traditions can be strange and fascinating, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cultural surprises. What happens when people find themselves in situations so different, it feels like they’ve landed on another planet? Don’t miss the next article, where 28 people share their most unforgettable culture shock moments.