|
The one thing every human society has in common is
marriage. It does not matter how isolated or backwards it is, if you
stick around long enough then you will find yourself at something at
least resembling a wedding. That being said, it will almost certainly
not be what you expect. In fact it is likely to be gross, confusing,
terrifying, or any mixture of the three. But as you read this list of
strange wedding traditions just think to yourself – who’s the weird one?
|
|
Balaka
When a wedding is over in Korea, friends of the groom remove his socks,
tie a rope around his ankles and start beating his feet with fish in
order to prepare him for his first night as a married man. Maybe we’re
missing something?
|
|
|
|
Blackening of the bride
Imagine the most disgusting things in the world. You got it? Now imagine
all of your friends throwing those things at you, covering you in
grossness, and then tying you to a tree. This is the typical pre-marital
humiliation that every Scottish bride endures. Supposedly if you can
handle this you can handle anything, including marriage.
|
|
|
|
Motherly assistance
Some villages in africa require an older woman to accompany the
newlyweds into their bedroom on the first night of their marriage in
order to “show the bride the ropes”. Although this is usually a village
elder, sometimes it can be the brides own mother. And you thought your
parents were nosy.
|
|
|
|
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia’s Omo River Valley, eligible Karo turn out in all their
splendor of paint, beadwork, and aluminum bracelets to join in exuberant
dances. An evening of rhythmic dancing and singing will, for many, lead
to betrothal, marriage, and a lifetime together.
|
|
|
|
Namibia
A Himba mother places an ekori, a leather marriage headdress passed from
mother to daughter, on 15-year-old Kevekaha. When the bride is ritually
kidnapped by her new husband and his family, the ekori is rolled down to
cover her face.
|
|
|