Blackening (Scotland)

Blackening (Scotland)

You need to have a sense of humour to partake in the Scottish pre-wedding tradition of the Blackening which involves being covered in mud, muck and/or soot the day before your wedding. The tradition is thought to have originated in Scotland’s Orkney Islands, and involves both the bride and groom being smothered in a mixture of tar and feathers (but it could also be flour, eggs or curdled milk), then either tied to a tree or paraded through the town’s streets in humiliation. This rather messy tradition is meant to give the bride or groom a ‘taster’ of the humiliation that married life may bring.

The Money Dance (Poland)

The Money Dance (Poland)

The Money Dance or Dollar Dance first came to prominence in the early 20th Century, and is believed to have evolved from a folk dance performed by couples married during Europe’s harvest season. Traditionally, the bride wears a purpose-made apron over her wedding dress, and guests must then pin money to her in exchange for a dance. Like most traditions, there is an order of etiquette that should be observed; the groom being first, followed by the father of the bride, relatives then close friends. The Money Dance is found in many cultures and, though traditionally it involves male guests paying to dance with the bride, these days many female guests will do the same for a dance with the groom.

wedding practices in different cultures

wedding practices in different cultures

wedding is a ceremony where two people or a couple are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, flowers, money), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony