10 Weird Marriage Traditions Around The World That Will Make You Think Twice About Weddings

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Marriage is a universal institution, but the customs and traditions associated with it can vary widely across cultures. Some wedding traditions are deeply rooted in history and carry significant cultural meanings, while others may seem quirky or peculiar to outsiders.

Here are 10 weird marriage traditions from around the world that will blow your mind.

1. Blackening Of The Bride, Scotland
In parts of Scotland, particularly in rural areas, there is a tradition known as "blackening the bride." Before the wedding, friends and family surprise the bride with a messy mixture of substances like flour, soot, and treacle. The idea is to prepare the couple for the challenges they may face and to test their ability to work together.

2. Marrying Trees (Orissa, India)
In certain parts of the Indian state of Orissa, some girls born during specific astrological conditions are believed to be cursed. To lift the curse, they are first married to a tree, and the tree is then cut down to break the curse. Afterward, the girl can marry a human without fear of bad luck.

3. Spitting On The Bride (Maasai Tribe, Kenya)
Among the Maasai people of Kenya, it is customary for the father of the bride to spit on her head and chest during the wedding ceremony. This act is believed to bring good luck and protection from evil spirits.

4. Kidnapping Of The Bride (Kyrgyzstan)
In Kyrgyzstan, there is a tradition called "Ala Kachuu" or "bride kidnapping." It involves the groom, with the help of friends, kidnapping the bride and taking her to his home. While this was historically non-consensual, in modern times, some couples agree to stage the kidnapping as part of the wedding festivities.

5. Shoe Hiding (Northern regions, India)
In certain northern Indian wedding traditions, the groom's shoes are considered a symbol of authority. During the wedding ceremony, the bride's family and friends playfully steal the groom's shoes, and he must negotiate or pay a ransom to get them back.

6. Polterabend (Germany)
In Germany, the night before the wedding, friends and family gather for a Polterabend, during which they break porcelain dishes and other ceramics. The couple is then responsible for cleaning up the mess, symbolizing their ability to work together to overcome challenges.

7. Crying Ritual (China)
In parts of China, brides are expected to cry for an hour a day in the month leading up to the wedding. After the first ten days, the mother of the bride joins in, followed by her grandmother. This ritual symbolizes the joy of the occasion and is believed to bring good luck.

8. Mushroom Ceremony (Khanty Tribe, Russia)
Among the Khanty people in Russia, a unique marriage tradition involves the couple consuming a special mushroom during the wedding ceremony. The mushroom is believed to bring good fortune and fertility to the newlyweds.

9. No Bathroom For 3 Days Straight (Malaysia, Indonesia)
In Malaysia and Indonesia, the Tidong people in Borneo do not let the couple use the bathroom for 3 days straight or even leave the house after their wedding. Also, there is a guard who keeps an eye on them. All they can do is eat small amounts of food and drink to survive. This is done for good luck and prevention of breakup or death of their would-be-children.

10. Served leftover food (France)
In France, the newlyweds were earlier served with leftover food and drink in a chamber pot, by a guest, which is meant to give the couple wedding night energy. But now, it has been tweaked over the years. They are now given a mix of chocolate and champagne.

These traditions may seem unusual, but they highlight the diversity and richness of cultural practices surrounding marriage worldwide. While some might be lighthearted or even quirky, they often hold deep significance within the communities that practice them.