Clinton News-Record, 1987-02-18, Page 39A
t •
Wedding traditions differ
from culture to culture
Every culture has its wedding tradi-
tions intended to symbolize the good
things marriage means to a couple; hap-
piness, commitment, sharing. Such
customs offer a couple the opportunity to
personalize their celebration, perhaps
even with traditions of their ancestors.
Following are some ideas from Bride's -
magazine.
Africa— Some tribes still perform the
ancient rite of binding the bride's and
groom's wrists together with plaited
grass. Show your new ties by exchanging
matching woven bracelets before you
walk back up the aisle together as hus-
band and wife.
Bermuda— Even today, islanders top
off their wedding cakes with tiny tree
saplings. Plant your little tree in a place
where you can watch it grow along with
your marriage.
China— Red, the color of love and joy
in China, is the favorite choice for the
bride's dress and accessories. Tuck a red
rosebud in your husband's lapel or wrap
bridesmaid's gifts and wedding favors -in
red.
Czechoslovakia— Country brides wear
wreaths of rosemary woven for them on
their wedding eve. Include a sprig in
your bouquet to symbolize wisdom, love
and loyalty.
England— The village bride and her
wedding party used to walk together to
the church, led by a small girl strewing
blossoms along the road. Walk to your
reception site if it's nearby. If you have
young friends or relatives or are young
parents marrying again, let the children
head the parade.
France— Couples drink the reception
toast from an engraved two -handled cup,
the coupe de marriage, which is passed
on to future generations. You might
engrave a silver cup with your initials
and then use it not only for the cham-
pagne toast at your reception but also for
all future special occasions.
Germany— Both bride and groom hold
candles trimmed with flowers and rib-
bons. A late afternoon or evening wed-
ding is perfect for saying vows by
candlelight. And you can save one of the
tapers to relight for a romantic first an-
niversary dinner.
India— To ward off evil, the grooms'
brother sprinkles flower petals on the
bridal couple at the end of the cermony.
After your ceremony is over, have a
special relative or friend hand a single
flower to every guest.
Ireland— The traditional wedding cake
of the Emerald Isle is a heavy, rich fruit-
cake with golden raisins, ground
almonds, cherries and spice. In true Irish
spirit, lace your reception cake with
brandy or bourbon.
Italy— For centuries wedding guests
have tossed confetti — sugared almonds
— at the couple to symbolize the sweet
and bitter in life. Decorate reception
tables with pretty boxes or bags brimm-
ing with almonds.
Japan— Bridal couples take nine sips
of sake, becoming husband and wife after
the first. The two of you could drink
together from a wine cup then ask your
parents to exchange sips, too.
Mexico— Reception guests gather
around the couple in a heart -shaped ring.
Your friends and relatives might do the
same as you whirl through your first
dance together as husband and wife.
Poland— Guests customarily have pin-
ned money on the bride to "buy" a
dance. Collect your pin money in a white
satin purse.
Russia— Wedding guests not only give
presents — theysreceive them, as well.
Favor your guests with tiny picture
frames, bud vases or instant photos of
themselves.
Scotland— Traditionally, a bridegroom
purchased a silver 'wedding spune,"
engraved with the couple's initials and
wedding date, to give to his bride. You
and your groom might buy something .
special to commemorate the day.
Spain— In certain regions, the bride
wore a black silk mantilla and orange
blossoms -in her hair. The -groom wore a
tucked shirt hand -embroidered by the
bride. Try a lacy white mantilla for your
headpiece and give your groom a formal
shirt on which you've embroidered his in-
itials on the cuff.
Wales— The bride gives her attendants
cuttings of myrtle from her bouquet. Tell
your bridesmaids that if their plants
bloom, they'll soon wed.
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