Strangest Wedding Traditions A Journey Beyond White Dresses
Strangest Wedding Traditions A Journey Beyond White Dresses
A few years ago, my friend Sarah invited me to her wedding in Scotland, and while I imagined a few kilts and maybe some bagpipes, I was in for something totally unexpected. As beautiful as the day was, what really stuck with me was the ancient ritual of “Blackening,” where the couple, dressed in their finest tartans, got covered head to toe in a sticky mess of treacle, feathers, and flour. Watching the soon-to-be newlyweds getting gleefully pelted with goo by their loved ones was both bewildering and endearing—a clear reminder of the whimsical richness of wedding traditions around the world.
The notion of wedding ceremonies varies wildly depending on where you find yourself. If you happen to receive a wedding invite from India, brace yourself for days-long festivities filled with color, music, and sacred rituals. You might encounter the “Joota Chupai” or shoe stealing, where the bride’s sisters mischievously snatch the groom’s shoes, hiding them away to demand a playful ransom. It’s a light-hearted skirmish that brings a burst of laughter and camaraderie. It reminds me of those childhood games of tag, but with a lot more strategy and cultural significance.
On the other side of the world, Korea boasts its own curious tradition called “Ballo Kicking.” After the wedding, the groom removes his shoes and socks, and his groomsmen take turns hitting the soles of his feet with a stick. This is believed to prepare him for married life—a kind of tough-love initiation, if you will. Watching a grown man trying not to flinch as he's laughed at by his buddies is oddly charming, leaving you to wonder how this practice came to signify readiness for marriage. It’s as if laughter, even at one’s expense, becomes a bonding agent stronger than any solemn vow.
While Western weddings often focus on elegance and romance, exploring these zany traditions reminds us that weddings worldwide offer a rich canvas of celebrations, sometimes venturing into the outright bizarre. What’s fascinating is how these customs, no matter how strange they may appear, hold deep meaning and a sense of unity for the families involved. They’re rooted in centuries-old beliefs and serve as powerful symbols of love and partnership.
As I recall my friend Sarah’s jubilant, sticky face amidst the Scottish hills, I think about how a bit of tradition (and treacle) can add a unique taste to one’s special day. It’s a curious blend of old and new, a moment where love shines through feathers and flour—all in the name of a lifelong journey together. And in that mess, there lies a simple human truth: weddings, no matter how they’re celebrated, bring people together in love and laughter.
