Top 12 Most Unusual Wedding Traditions Around the World

Many cultures, from the Celts to the Roma (or Gypsies), have practiced the tradition of jumping over a broom at weddings. Today, it is commonly seen in African-American and Afro-Caribbean weddings. This custom originated during the slavery era, when marriages between enslaved men and women were considered illegal. During pre-Civil War times, enslaved couples would announce their union by jumping over a broom together. Some African tribes would present the newlyweds with animal hides, pottery, or even a broom as part of the ritual. The couple would hold hands and jump over the broom on their wedding day, symbolizing the overcoming of past oppression and hardships. In the South, where the effects of slavery were deeply felt, this practice also served as a way to break free from the old prejudices and painful past.

The meaning behind this tradition at a wedding is to symbolize the clearing away of past troubles and starting anew together. Jumping over the broom signifies the couple stepping into a fresh life, leaving behind old sorrows and embracing a future of happiness. Today, brides often create or buy decorative brooms for this ceremony. In some weddings, the ritual is accompanied by music, and guests may write well-wishes on colorful pieces of paper and tie them to the broom before the couple jumps over it.

India, one of the most diverse countries in terms of religion and ethnicity, has some of the most deeply rooted religious and cultural practices in the world. Unlike the customs in some other nations, India's cultural identity is vividly expressed through its traditional wedding rituals. The practice of marrying an animal might sound like a bizarre tale, but it is, in fact, a real tradition in some parts of India. This strange custom, which is still carried out by many rural communities, is believed to help drive away evil spirits, bad luck, and lift curses, while bringing good fortune to the individual involved.

On the wedding day, animals, often dogs, are dressed up in elaborate wedding attire and treated as the bride or groom, going through the same ceremonial rites as humans. Villagers gather to sing, dance, and celebrate the newlyweds. After the ceremony, the dog is released to return home, as it is not expected to live with the newly 'married' partner. Many in India believe that evil spirits are constantly around us, particularly haunting 'unattractive' girls. This ritual serves as a way to ward off these spirits before a woman marries her actual partner.

For many brides, the wedding preparations can be a deeply emotional experience. However, for brides from the Tujia ethnic group in China, the feelings are even more intense. The tradition is simple—brides must cry. If a bride cannot cry or refuses to, she will be seen as poorly raised, subject to ridicule by the community, and even punished by her mother. This custom varies across Sichuan province. For example, in the western region, it’s known as “Zuo Tang” or 'sitting in the large room.' One month before the wedding, the bride is required to cry for an hour every night. After ten days, her mother joins her, followed by her aunts and sisters, turning the ritual into a “crying feast.”

The crying is not just about shedding tears—it’s accompanied by a song called “The Wedding Lament.” This song, passed down in the form of a poem, is sung to help set the emotional tone for the wedding. Other songs, focused on themes like hard work, social etiquette, and filial piety, are also performed. The crying ritual, which began in the 17th century, continued through the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. Legend has it that the practice started during the Warring States period when a princess from the state of Zhao was married to another kingdom. As she prepared to leave, the queen cried at her feet, urging her to return soon. This is said to be the first “crying wedding.” While not as common today, many Tujia families still uphold this tradition as an essential part of their wedding ceremonies.

Weddings are a significant event for couples around the world, with each country having its own unique traditions. However, Indian weddings stand out due to their distinctive attire, colors, timing, and cultural practices. The ceremonies are not only visually striking but also carry deep symbolism, reflecting the values and heritage of the people. These customs have been followed for centuries and hold profound importance in the lives of the Indian people.

One unique belief in Indian culture is that women born on a specific celestial date, known as 'Manglik,' are thought to be cursed. According to this superstition, these women are believed to bring bad luck, causing their husbands to die early. As part of an unusual marriage custom, a Manglik bride must first marry a tree before her actual wedding. This ritual is performed to break the curse. A famous example is Aishwarya Rai, the former Miss World, who was also required to marry a banana tree to avoid the curse before marrying her husband. This tradition stems from astrology, with some astrologers insisting that Aishwarya's life was at risk unless she married the tree first.

Imagine being locked inside for 3 days without access to a bathroom or even a shower. For most of us, just a few hours without these basic necessities would be uncomfortable, but for the Tidong tribe in Indonesia, this is a part of their marriage tradition. The Tidong people believe that marriage is a journey through a kind of hell, and the wedding day marks the start of this challenging journey. The belief is that if the newlyweds can avoid using the bathroom for three days, they will have a strong, enduring marriage. If they do use the facilities during this time, it is considered an ill omen, signaling a short and unfaithful marriage, or even the death of their children.

For the newlywed couple, the challenge is to refrain from using the bathroom, a ritual that’s meant to make the honeymoon phase more memorable. The Tidong take this custom seriously, with the bride and groom closely monitored before and during the three days. During this time, they are given minimal food and water—just enough to survive. After the three days, the couple is finally allowed to bathe and use the restroom, officially beginning their married life. There are other unusual wedding traditions in the Tidong tribe, such as the groom not being allowed to see the bride’s face immediately. He must stand behind a curtain on the wedding stage and sing love songs to her, only revealing himself once she is satisfied with his performance.

In Russia, a traditional wedding is seen as a vivid reflection of local customs and the unique traits of the people. For Russians, a wedding is not only a deeply emotional ceremony but also a sacred promise made between the bride and groom. The couple pledges to remain loyal in both hardship and joy. The Russian people believe that, after this pledge, the couple’s understanding of their mutual dependence deepens, and they will live together for a long time, as the Orthodox Church does not permit divorce. Before marriage registration, the groom must “buy back” the bride from her guests, which involves a series of playful challenges. In the end, the groom must compensate the guests with money and gifts. Additionally, before the wedding, the groom visits the bride’s family to present the dowry.

This custom, which dates back to ancient times, symbolizes the woman’s transition from her father’s household to that of her husband’s. While the sacred meaning of this ritual has faded over time, it is now a lighthearted event designed to entertain the guests. The groom must cleverly navigate the situations that the bride’s friends have prepared, often acting as a test of how well he will care for and remain loyal to her. If he fails, he must pay in cash or candy—sometimes from the youngest guest. A particularly fun part of the ceremony involves the bride’s family presenting a woman or a man dressed in a skirt as a replacement for the groom until he fulfills his obligations. The bride will only be handed over once the dowry is fully paid.

A wedding is a momentous occasion in anyone's life, and many couples opt for a traditional ceremony rooted in their heritage. However, some choose a unique and unconventional German wedding custom to make their day even more memorable. One such tradition, dating back to ancient times, involves using a large saw with two handles to cut through a log. On the wedding day, the bride and groom each take one side of the saw and work together to cut a long piece of wood. This tradition, known as "baumstamm sägen" in Germany, symbolizes the couple's first challenge as they embark on their marriage journey. The key to success in this ritual is coordination and teamwork, as they must work together, in perfect harmony, neither rushing nor lagging behind. This is seen as a metaphor for a marriage that is balanced, peaceful, and built on mutual respect and cooperation.

Germany is known for its quirky customs, and the wedding rituals are no exception. Without prior knowledge, newcomers might find themselves puzzled or in awkward situations. But this is part of the charm. The wood-sawing tradition represents a couple’s commitment to facing life’s challenges together. If they can saw through the log, it signifies their ability to overcome obstacles as a united force. Much like other strange wedding customs such as smashing plates or kidnapping the bride, this act adds a playful yet meaningful element to German weddings, reinforcing the idea that the couple will face life’s difficulties hand in hand.

The Jewish people are known for their wisdom and sophistication, and their wedding traditions are no exception, often with unique and symbolic customs. At the conclusion of a Jewish wedding, the bride and groom participate in a ceremony where they both stamp on a glass wrapped in cloth, causing it to shatter. This act carries multiple meanings, one of which is to symbolize that marriage will have both moments of joy and sorrow, and that the couple is committed to standing by each other through life's ups and downs. While breaking a mirror is considered an omen of bad luck in many cultures, breaking a glass or plate is often interpreted as a good omen. In Jewish and Egyptian cultures, the breaking of a glass represents a sacrifice, absorbing the potential misfortunes that may come to the couple in the future.

More symbolically, for the Jewish people, marriage and love are fragile, like glass, and breaking the glass during the wedding serves as a reminder of that fragility. The act is accompanied by the prayer: “This glass is broken, but this marriage will never be.” It is believed that every marriage carries its share of hardships, and the breaking of the glass and the prayer serve as a ritual that protects the couple from future misfortune. To them, the breaking of the glass is not merely an accident; the focus is on cleaning up the shards carefully and safely. The sound of the glass breaking is meant to awaken awareness, reminding us of the fleeting nature of all things. Whether it is good or bad, happiness or sorrow, success or failure, nothing is permanent. Breakage is necessary for renewal, just as death is a natural part of life, providing the foundation for new beginnings.

The Mehendi ceremony is a colorful event celebrated the night before a wedding, where the women from the bride’s family gather. In India, Henna is mostly used for decorative body art, primarily for women, though on certain occasions, men also get Henna designs. Weddings serve as the perfect occasion for Henna artists to display their talent. The bride, groom, and even some wedding guests are adorned with beautiful Henna patterns. Henna in this case represents fertility, growth, and the love between the couple. A professional artist or a family member applies intricate Henna “tattoos” on the hands and feet of the bride and other women in the family. The designs symbolize joy, beauty, and blessings.

This tradition is also popular in many other Asian countries. In ancient India, when a bride and groom were promised to each other by their families, Henna served as a way for them to recognize each other during the wedding. The groom’s name was subtly incorporated into the Henna designs, signifying their close bond. After 2 to 12 hours, the Henna paste dries, revealing the art. These patterns typically last between 1 to 3 weeks on the skin. The Henna starts off a dark green, but fades to a light orange or dark brown as it wears off. The women attending the ceremony usually wear simple, soft-colored clothing. The venue is decorated with flowers and colorful drapes. The bride typically wears a pale yellow or green dress with short sleeves for easy Henna application. The groom wears traditional Kurta Pajama in bright colors.

Marriage is a monumental day in everyone's life, but in many parts of the world, strange and unique wedding rituals are performed. One such bizarre tradition is the “Messing Up the Bride and Groom” custom from Scotland. This ritual, which is quite peculiar, requires the bride and groom to undergo a unique and ancient ceremony before they can marry. The practice originates from the village of Balintore, Scotland. The idea of “messing up the bride and groom” before the wedding ceremony is not exclusive to Scotland, but it has gained international attention due to its uniqueness.

This pre-wedding tradition is considered an important cultural heritage in Scotland. While many view it as a strange ritual, almost like an attack rather than a fun celebration, the Scots revere it as part of their traditional customs. They believe that the ritual drives away evil spirits, ensuring that the couple will enjoy a long and happy life together. Many people, including close family, distant relatives, neighbors, and friends, participate in this event by dumping piles of waste on the bride and groom. Afterward, the couple is paraded around the village in a truck, cheered on by the crowd, with drums and horns blaring to celebrate the couple’s upcoming nuptials. The Scots believe that if the couple can endure this ordeal, they will be strong enough to face any challenge in life, especially in marriage.

Cuban culture is vibrant and diverse, with unique traditions, especially when it comes to weddings. Most couples in Cuba choose their partners themselves rather than through arranged marriages, but they always ensure their choice will be approved by their parents. Parents also support their children in finding a suitable life partner. One of the most distinctive wedding traditions in Cuba is the money dance, a practice that originated in Poland in the early 1900s and spread across countries like the U.S., Mexico, Hungary, Italy, Greece, Ukraine, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Cuba.

At a Cuban wedding, music and dancing are essential, and family members are encouraged to join in to bless the newlyweds. The father of the bride is the first to dance, while guests form a circle around the couple, eagerly awaiting their turn. Eventually, the groom places his wallet in an apron and dances with the bride. The music and dances are usually centered around themes of love and family. For each dance, the couple selects a meaningful song to keep the guests excited and engaged. One of the most anticipated moments of the wedding is the bride and groom's first dance. Guests often pay to dance with the bride, pinning money to her wedding dress as a way of offering blessings and wishing her happiness and good fortune in her new life with her husband. The couple may use this money for their honeymoon.

This tradition may seem quite unusual, and it surprises many people when they first hear about it. Unlike the common custom of wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger, Hindu brides wear their wedding rings on their toes. The main reason for this is that in India, a woman who wears a wedding ring on her toe signifies that she is married. Traditionally, the second toe, next to the big toe, is the most common place to wear the ring. This toe is the longest and also the easiest for a ring to fit on. Some researchers believe that wearing a ring on the toe has certain health benefits. The silver ring, being a good conductor, absorbs energy from the earth and transfers it into the body.

The second toe is connected to a special nerve that runs to the uterus and the heart, so wearing a ring on this toe helps regulate blood flow to the uterus, keeping it healthy and ensuring a regular menstrual cycle. This practice is believed to improve fertility in married women. In addition, married women often wear a small bell on their ankle to enhance beauty, ward off evil spirits, and prevent infidelity. The ring worn on the toe symbolizes eternal love in Indian culture. This tradition has become a unique and cherished part of Indian weddings, representing both love and health. Wearing a ring on the toe is just one of the many fascinating customs that make Indian weddings so extraordinary.