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Ethnic Weddings
AFRICAN
"Jumping the Broom" is a custom that originated as the symbolic jumping the doorway, or threshold from a carefree single life into the responsibilities of domestic life and a future together.
Tying the Knot means that the couple is actually bound together at the wrists during the ceremony, linking them together symbolically.
The bride, as a symbol of modesty, will hide her face behind a veil of braided hair as an offer to the gods to join in the celebration, wine is poured onto the ground.
American Indian
The traditional colors woven into the brides dress point to the four corners of the earth, White for east, Blue for south, Yellow for west and Black for north.
The bride and groom wash their hands to symbolically rid themselves of evil and loves from their past.
To symbolize their bonding ,the couple will share during their ceremony, a meal of corn mush, made of both white and yellow corn. The white represents male and yellow female, joined together.
AMISH
The wedding ceremony of the Amish are plain and wonderfully simple. The bride and groom personally deliver to each guest an invitation to their bonding. The wedding is planned to be celebrated after the harvesting season, so all can attend, usually in the middle of the week. The ceremony is simple, as is the Bride's dress, which is new, but something ordinary that could be worn to church on Sunday.
Arabic
The weddings of the Arabic countries rely on the customs that are familiar to those countries. The wedding ceremony and the reception following are segregated affairs, with areas for both men and women. The women at the ceremony symbolically mourn the loss of the bride by doing the "wedding wail". The brides dress is a beautifully ornate Caftan, and the brides hands and feet are "bound" in intricate lace-like patterns painted. using a henna dye.
Chinese
The invitations sent to the guest are wrapped in red gift-wrap, as the traditional colors of happiness and wealth are red and gold. Any gifts of money to the newlyweds are presented in red envelopes for the same reason. Gold jewelry -filled purses are also presented to the bride by women relatives and close friends to portray her new status. During the ceremony both bride and groom pay homage and respect to their parents and elders for the guidance and wisdom they have bestowed upon them. After the ceremony, firecrackers are lit to chase any evil spirits and demons away from the couple. During the reception the bride will be presented in typically at least three different wedding outfits.
Cuban
The reception at a Cuban wedding is alive with music and dancing . Each man that dances with the bride must pin money to her dress. All the guests bring presents,and these are displayed on a large table. The bride and groom also give a gift to each guest, thanking them for attending.
Czech
Before the ceremony, the couple's wedding bed is "blessed" by laying an infant on the bed to enhance their fertility. On the steps of the church, the couple is presented and gets a "stern" lecture on their duties as husband and wife from their starosta , the couples male sponsor. The bridesmaids duties include pinning pieces of rosemary on each guest as another symbol of fertility.
After the ceremony, the bride's veil is removed and is replaced by the traditional matrons bonnet while the guests sing "Pisen Svatebni", the Czech wedding song.
Dutch
After a Dutch wedding, the couple plants lily-of-the-valley in their garden so that they can renew their love for one another every year when the plant blooms.
English
The English wedding celebration begins on the way to the ceremony, as young girls scatter flower petals along the path the bride is walking, in hopes of providing a happy path in life.
On one bent arm, the bride carries a horseshoe decorated with ribbons, to bestow on her good luck.
The traditional wedding cake is a fruitcake, and the top tier is called the "christening cake", which is saved for the baptism of the couples first child. The cake is typically made of raisins, ground almonds and cherries and topped with special candies called marzipan.
Filipino
At a Filipino wedding, both the bride and groom have money pinned to them as people dance with them at the reception. Sometimes the families compete to see who will collect more.
The couple, to symbolize their undying love for each other, will release a pair of doves , that were caged in an elaborate bell made of flowers.
French
As the couple departs from the church, laurel leaves are scattered outside the exit.
At the reception, the newlyweds toast using a special two-handled cup that has been passed down through the generations. The cup is called the Coupe de marriage.
After the wedding reception, some of the friends of the couple will "interrupt" their wedding-night by banging pots and pans and singing loudly outside their bedroom window. The groom is then suppose to invite the friends in for refreshments.
German
A wedding in Germany could be a three day celebration!!! On Thursday, the couple gets together with close family and friends to go to the city center to have a civil ceremony. Afterwards they all go out to dinner. On Friday, the real fun begins as the couple is visited for the Polterabend, or wedding-eve party, by friends and neighbors. The celebration entails the smashing of plates and other breakables as a sign of good luck (may nothing ever be broken in your home again). On Saturday, the newlyweds religious ceremony takes place, followed by the reception of traditional fare. Before the couple can sneak out of the party, friends place garlands of flowers ,greenery and ribbons at the exits, the groom must "ransom" the couple out with promises of money or a party.
Greek
At the ceremony, the bride and groom are "crowned" by the best man to show that the couple are the King and Queen of their union as man and wife.
The Greek tradition of the Kaslamantiano, the Circle Dance(famous from the movie Zorba), is done at the reception. Candy-coated almonds are given to the guests as favors.
Haitian
Wedding Guests according to custom bring gifts to the wedding, but not gifts of money. The wedding cake is not cut at the reception party, but later at the couples home.
Food at the reception would include conch, a type of shellfish, fried pork, and black rice, creole style.
Indian
The Indian bride, after a ceremonial cleansing, is painted with henna patterns on her hands and feet.
After the ceremony, the brothers of the groom toss flower petals to ward off evil from the Newlyweds.
Irish
The Claddagh wedding tradition originates from the tale about a man in ancient Galway. He was soon to become wed and was taken prisoner by roving sailors and forced into labor in a foreign land. During that time he taught himself the art of jewelry-making Upon his return to his homeland he found his maiden had never married, and in his happiness, he fashioned the now famous Claddagh wedding band. The rings depicts a heart,held by two hands with a crown over it. Many now wear the Claddagh ring, but only those that are wed wear it with the hands facing in.
There are many dances at an Irish wedding, but one of the more notable is the "janting char" where the groom is carried in a chair to present him to the guests.
Italian
In the small villages of Italy, after the Wedding Mass, the newly married couple walks through the town plaza, greeting their friends, relatives, and neighbors. There the villagers set up a sawhorse, a log and a double handled rip-saw. The newlyweds must saw the log apart with the prompting and cheering of the crowd.When the job is finished and the log cut, it symbolizes that the man and woman must work together in all of life's tasks.
At an Italian reception, candy-covered almonds are given to the guests to represent the bitter and sweet things in life. A traditional dance would be the Tarantella.
The bride uses a busta or gift bag to hold gifts of money.
Japanese
Red, a joyous,lucky color, is important at the reception of a Japanese wedding. There are many toasts and speeches made by their elders and other honored guests about the couple. The reception menu could include Kai fish, the traditional fish of happiness, red rice, kelp, and sake wine (rice wine).
Jewish
A Bride begins her transition from single to married life by taking a ritualistic bath.
The wedding ceremony usually takes place under a huppah, or wedding canopy. This tradition began in the Middle Ages when a couple would wed outdoors so that the marriage could be blessed with as many children as there are stars in the heavens.
A traditional marriage agreement, the ketubah, is beautiful and ornate, and is signed by the couple to be displayed prominently in their home.
The end of the ceremony is signaled by the groom breaking a napkin-wrapped wineglass underfoot, in remembrance of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and other Tragedies that have befallen the Jewish Faith. After the ceremony, shouts of "good luck" or "Mazel Tov!" can be heard from the joyous celebrants.
The hora, is a traditional dance of celebration, and is performed at the reception.
Korean
A Korean bride is welcomed into the grooms family by participating in the P'yeback,or Introduction ceremony. The brides makeup includes a large red dot on each cheek to ward off evil spirits or demons, and her silk gown is colorful, except for the sleeves, which are all white.The grooms parents are introduced to the bride by the groom, and his father collects a handful of ju jibes, or red dates that he tosses towards the bride, to show his hopes for many grandchildren.
Latin American
The Flower Girl and Ringbearer are dressed as miniature versions of the bride and groom.
The Father of the bride holds a dish , filled with coins and then covered, that symbolizes the brides dowry .
Lithuanian
The couple, at their reception, are given the "elements of life", bread and salt, so as never to hunger, wine and honey for everything good in their life together.
Mexican
The bride and groom are blessed at home by their parents before the ceremony
The groom presents 13 gold coins to his bride as his promise to support here. The arras, a small chest of coins symbolizing wealth and strength, is blessed during their ceremony. The Padrinos, or godparents ,also are honoured by being part of the wedding.
Moravian
One of the most simple, yet elegant of ceremonies, is the Moravian Wedding Ritual. The bridal couple together lights one large candle. The flame is passed along to each guest, who each has been given a hand-made beeswax candle. Each guest lights the candle of the one beside until the whole church is aglow with the warmth of love of family and friends.What a wonderful way to include your family and friends in your big day!!!!
Polish
The brides traditional maidenly braids are undone by her bridesmaids in a custom called Rospleciny
On the way to church, the couples way is blocked by children that the best man must pay "toll" to.
At the reception the bride and groom are met by their parents, who give them the gifts of bread and salt, which represent the prosperity and the bitterness they shall meet in life. Guests give the bride money, and in return she gives them small gifts.
Puerto Rican
In the Aras, the priest blesses a plate of coins during the ceremony, and gives them to the groom. He in turn gives the coins to the bride, who shall keep them along with other mementos of their wedding day. These are kept to ensure the couple good fortune and prosperity throughout their marriage.
At the reception , all the gentleman the bride dances with pin money to her gown. Special pins, called capias, are displayed on a doll dressed like the bride. The capias have the bride and grooms names and the wedding date inscribed on them,and are given as favors to the guests
Quaker
Quaker tradition does not include clergy, so the wedding certificate is only signed by the bride, groom , maid of honor and best man, All the guests, however, promise to help the newlyweds grow as a couple, and all sign as witnesses. The wedding certificate is hung in a prominent place in the new household.
The bride in a Quaker wedding ceremony is presented to the groom by herself, for it is believed that she belongs to no one but herself.
Russian
On her wedding day, the bride asks her parents for forgiveness for any offenses she may have caused. Her parents present the bride with bread and salt, in the hopes that she will never want for food.
At the reception, champagne glasses are thrown to the floor after the couple is toasted, if the glasses break, they shall have happiness in their marriage.
To show their preferences of their first child ,the newlyweds tie to the front of their wedding car a doll for a girl and a bear if they would like a boy.
Scandinavian
On the way to church, the wedding procession includes violinists and trumpeters.
The bride wears a Vasa jeweled crown to represent her purity.
As birch branches adorn the church and altar, the bride and groom are hidden by "care cloths" during the final blessings in church to keep them away from evil influences..
Scottish
The groom wears the kilt of his "Clan", and bagpipe music is played at the entrance and recessional of the bridal party.
Vietnamese
The groom leads a procession to the brides house, accumulating family and friends along the way. When they arrive, they present the bride with gifts of clothes, jewelry and currency. The groom's mother is the only one that does not join the procession, to show the bride their is no rivalry between them.
WeddingSetGo.com - Ethnic Weddings
AFRICAN
"Jumping the Broom" is a custom that originated as the symbolic jumping the doorway, or threshold from a carefree single life into the responsibilities of domestic life and a future together.
Tying the Knot means that the couple is actually bound together at the wrists during the ceremony, linking them together symbolically.
The bride, as a symbol of modesty, will hide her face behind a veil of braided hair as an offer to the gods to join in the celebration, wine is poured onto the ground.
American Indian
The traditional colors woven into the brides dress point to the four corners of the earth, White for east, Blue for south, Yellow for west and Black for north.
The bride and groom wash their hands to symbolically rid themselves of evil and loves from their past.
To symbolize their bonding ,the couple will share during their ceremony, a meal of corn mush, made of both white and yellow corn. The white represents male and yellow female, joined together.
AMISH
The wedding ceremony of the Amish are plain and wonderfully simple. The bride and groom personally deliver to each guest an invitation to their bonding. The wedding is planned to be celebrated after the harvesting season, so all can attend, usually in the middle of the week. The ceremony is simple, as is the Bride's dress, which is new, but something ordinary that could be worn to church on Sunday.
Arabic
The weddings of the Arabic countries rely on the customs that are familiar to those countries. The wedding ceremony and the reception following are segregated affairs, with areas for both men and women. The women at the ceremony symbolically mourn the loss of the bride by doing the "wedding wail". The brides dress is a beautifully ornate Caftan, and the brides hands and feet are "bound" in intricate lace-like patterns painted. using a henna dye.
Chinese
The invitations sent to the guest are wrapped in red gift-wrap, as the traditional colors of happiness and wealth are red and gold. Any gifts of money to the newlyweds are presented in red envelopes for the same reason. Gold jewelry -filled purses are also presented to the bride by women relatives and close friends to portray her new status. During the ceremony both bride and groom pay homage and respect to their parents and elders for the guidance and wisdom they have bestowed upon them. After the ceremony, firecrackers are lit to chase any evil spirits and demons away from the couple. During the reception the bride will be presented in typically at least three different wedding outfits.
Cuban
The reception at a Cuban wedding is alive with music and dancing . Each man that dances with the bride must pin money to her dress. All the guests bring presents,and these are displayed on a large table. The bride and groom also give a gift to each guest, thanking them for attending.
Czech
Before the ceremony, the couple's wedding bed is "blessed" by laying an infant on the bed to enhance their fertility. On the steps of the church, the couple is presented and gets a "stern" lecture on their duties as husband and wife from their starosta , the couples male sponsor. The bridesmaids duties include pinning pieces of rosemary on each guest as another symbol of fertility.
After the ceremony, the bride's veil is removed and is replaced by the traditional matrons bonnet while the guests sing "Pisen Svatebni", the Czech wedding song.
Dutch
After a Dutch wedding, the couple plants lily-of-the-valley in their garden so that they can renew their love for one another every year when the plant blooms.
English
The English wedding celebration begins on the way to the ceremony, as young girls scatter flower petals along the path the bride is walking, in hopes of providing a happy path in life.
On one bent arm, the bride carries a horseshoe decorated with ribbons, to bestow on her good luck.
The traditional wedding cake is a fruitcake, and the top tier is called the "christening cake", which is saved for the baptism of the couples first child. The cake is typically made of raisins, ground almonds and cherries and topped with special candies called marzipan.
Filipino
At a Filipino wedding, both the bride and groom have money pinned to them as people dance with them at the reception. Sometimes the families compete to see who will collect more.
The couple, to symbolize their undying love for each other, will release a pair of doves , that were caged in an elaborate bell made of flowers.
French
As the couple departs from the church, laurel leaves are scattered outside the exit.
At the reception, the newlyweds toast using a special two-handled cup that has been passed down through the generations. The cup is called the Coupe de marriage.
After the wedding reception, some of the friends of the couple will "interrupt" their wedding-night by banging pots and pans and singing loudly outside their bedroom window. The groom is then suppose to invite the friends in for refreshments.
German
A wedding in Germany could be a three day celebration!!! On Thursday, the couple gets together with close family and friends to go to the city center to have a civil ceremony. Afterwards they all go out to dinner. On Friday, the real fun begins as the couple is visited for the Polterabend, or wedding-eve party, by friends and neighbors. The celebration entails the smashing of plates and other breakables as a sign of good luck (may nothing ever be broken in your home again). On Saturday, the newlyweds religious ceremony takes place, followed by the reception of traditional fare. Before the couple can sneak out of the party, friends place garlands of flowers ,greenery and ribbons at the exits, the groom must "ransom" the couple out with promises of money or a party.
Greek
At the ceremony, the bride and groom are "crowned" by the best man to show that the couple are the King and Queen of their union as man and wife.
The Greek tradition of the Kaslamantiano, the Circle Dance(famous from the movie Zorba), is done at the reception. Candy-coated almonds are given to the guests as favors.
Haitian
Wedding Guests according to custom bring gifts to the wedding, but not gifts of money. The wedding cake is not cut at the reception party, but later at the couples home.
Food at the reception would include conch, a type of shellfish, fried pork, and black rice, creole style.
Indian
The Indian bride, after a ceremonial cleansing, is painted with henna patterns on her hands and feet.
After the ceremony, the brothers of the groom toss flower petals to ward off evil from the Newlyweds.
Irish
The Claddagh wedding tradition originates from the tale about a man in ancient Galway. He was soon to become wed and was taken prisoner by roving sailors and forced into labor in a foreign land. During that time he taught himself the art of jewelry-making Upon his return to his homeland he found his maiden had never married, and in his happiness, he fashioned the now famous Claddagh wedding band. The rings depicts a heart,held by two hands with a crown over it. Many now wear the Claddagh ring, but only those that are wed wear it with the hands facing in.
There are many dances at an Irish wedding, but one of the more notable is the "janting char" where the groom is carried in a chair to present him to the guests.
Italian
In the small villages of Italy, after the Wedding Mass, the newly married couple walks through the town plaza, greeting their friends, relatives, and neighbors. There the villagers set up a sawhorse, a log and a double handled rip-saw. The newlyweds must saw the log apart with the prompting and cheering of the crowd.When the job is finished and the log cut, it symbolizes that the man and woman must work together in all of life's tasks.
At an Italian reception, candy-covered almonds are given to the guests to represent the bitter and sweet things in life. A traditional dance would be the Tarantella.
The bride uses a busta or gift bag to hold gifts of money.
Japanese
Red, a joyous,lucky color, is important at the reception of a Japanese wedding. There are many toasts and speeches made by their elders and other honored guests about the couple. The reception menu could include Kai fish, the traditional fish of happiness, red rice, kelp, and sake wine (rice wine).
Jewish
A Bride begins her transition from single to married life by taking a ritualistic bath.
The wedding ceremony usually takes place under a huppah, or wedding canopy. This tradition began in the Middle Ages when a couple would wed outdoors so that the marriage could be blessed with as many children as there are stars in the heavens.
A traditional marriage agreement, the ketubah, is beautiful and ornate, and is signed by the couple to be displayed prominently in their home.
The end of the ceremony is signaled by the groom breaking a napkin-wrapped wineglass underfoot, in remembrance of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and other Tragedies that have befallen the Jewish Faith. After the ceremony, shouts of "good luck" or "Mazel Tov!" can be heard from the joyous celebrants.
The hora, is a traditional dance of celebration, and is performed at the reception.
Korean
A Korean bride is welcomed into the grooms family by participating in the P'yeback,or Introduction ceremony. The brides makeup includes a large red dot on each cheek to ward off evil spirits or demons, and her silk gown is colorful, except for the sleeves, which are all white.The grooms parents are introduced to the bride by the groom, and his father collects a handful of ju jibes, or red dates that he tosses towards the bride, to show his hopes for many grandchildren.
Latin American
The Flower Girl and Ringbearer are dressed as miniature versions of the bride and groom.
The Father of the bride holds a dish , filled with coins and then covered, that symbolizes the brides dowry .
Lithuanian
The couple, at their reception, are given the "elements of life", bread and salt, so as never to hunger, wine and honey for everything good in their life together.
Mexican
The bride and groom are blessed at home by their parents before the ceremony
The groom presents 13 gold coins to his bride as his promise to support here. The arras, a small chest of coins symbolizing wealth and strength, is blessed during their ceremony. The Padrinos, or godparents ,also are honoured by being part of the wedding.
Moravian
One of the most simple, yet elegant of ceremonies, is the Moravian Wedding Ritual. The bridal couple together lights one large candle. The flame is passed along to each guest, who each has been given a hand-made beeswax candle. Each guest lights the candle of the one beside until the whole church is aglow with the warmth of love of family and friends.What a wonderful way to include your family and friends in your big day!!!!
Polish
The brides traditional maidenly braids are undone by her bridesmaids in a custom called Rospleciny
On the way to church, the couples way is blocked by children that the best man must pay "toll" to.
At the reception the bride and groom are met by their parents, who give them the gifts of bread and salt, which represent the prosperity and the bitterness they shall meet in life. Guests give the bride money, and in return she gives them small gifts.
Puerto Rican
In the Aras, the priest blesses a plate of coins during the ceremony, and gives them to the groom. He in turn gives the coins to the bride, who shall keep them along with other mementos of their wedding day. These are kept to ensure the couple good fortune and prosperity throughout their marriage.
At the reception , all the gentleman the bride dances with pin money to her gown. Special pins, called capias, are displayed on a doll dressed like the bride. The capias have the bride and grooms names and the wedding date inscribed on them,and are given as favors to the guests
Quaker
Quaker tradition does not include clergy, so the wedding certificate is only signed by the bride, groom , maid of honor and best man, All the guests, however, promise to help the newlyweds grow as a couple, and all sign as witnesses. The wedding certificate is hung in a prominent place in the new household.
The bride in a Quaker wedding ceremony is presented to the groom by herself, for it is believed that she belongs to no one but herself.
Russian
On her wedding day, the bride asks her parents for forgiveness for any offenses she may have caused. Her parents present the bride with bread and salt, in the hopes that she will never want for food.
At the reception, champagne glasses are thrown to the floor after the couple is toasted, if the glasses break, they shall have happiness in their marriage.
To show their preferences of their first child ,the newlyweds tie to the front of their wedding car a doll for a girl and a bear if they would like a boy.
Scandinavian
On the way to church, the wedding procession includes violinists and trumpeters.
The bride wears a Vasa jeweled crown to represent her purity.
As birch branches adorn the church and altar, the bride and groom are hidden by "care cloths" during the final blessings in church to keep them away from evil influences..
Scottish
The groom wears the kilt of his "Clan", and bagpipe music is played at the entrance and recessional of the bridal party.
Vietnamese
The groom leads a procession to the brides house, accumulating family and friends along the way. When they arrive, they present the bride with gifts of clothes, jewelry and currency. The groom's mother is the only one that does not join the procession, to show the bride their is no rivalry between them.
WeddingSetGo.com - Ethnic Weddings
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