Special Sub-Topic: Wedding Traditions From Around The World Click Here To Play: Wedding Traditions From Around The World

In which country is the traditional musical wedding march called the "Zaffa" performed?

Egypt. They have traditional Egyptian music, belly dancers, drum horns and performers with flaming swords. Egyptians also believe that the ring finger has the "vein amoris", the vein of love, which runs straight to the heart.

How long does a traditional Moroccan wedding ceremony usually last?

four to seven days. After the couple say their vows, and before the new bride can become the mistress of her new home, she must walk around her house three times.

What color signifies happiness when used in a wedding in China?

red. Red signifies love, joy and prosperity and is used in several different ways in Chinese wedding traditions. The homes of both the bride and groom are usually decorated in red on their wedding day.

In what country is the bride-to-be painted in pure white from head to toe?

Japan. This is done to show the bride's maiden status to the gods.

What color is it custom for an Israeli bride to wear with her wedding dress?

blue. This custom originated in ancient Israel. The bride would wear a blue ribbon to symbolize her fidelity.

Wedding receptions in which country feature a wedding cake called kransakaka?

Iceland. This cake is made by creating 'wedding rings' of almond pastry of different sizes piled on top of each other to form a pyramid. Swirls of white icing decorate each ring and in the center you find fine chocolates or decorative candies.

How many bands does a new bride in Sweden wear on her wedding day?

3. One is her engagement ring, another is her wedding ring, and the third is a ring for motherhood.

In what country might the friends of the bride plant a tree in her yard and decorate it with ribbons and painted eggshells?

Czechoslovakia. According to legend it is believed that the bride would live as long as the tree. The night before her wedding her friends also give the bride a crown of rosemary to represent wisdom, love, loyalty, and remembrance.

In which country are church weddings not considered official?

Russia. Couples wanting to get married must exchange vows at a Russian marriage civil ceremony. The bride and groom are give bread and salt to symbolize health, prosperity, and long life.

The custom of the bride wearing a white wedding gown began in which country?

France. This tradition began several hundred years ago. The French also started the tradition of the hope chest. The French call it the bridal trousseau.

What has long been the flower of choice for a girl getting married in Spain?

Orange Blossom. The Spanish believe that since the orange tree produces fruit and blossoms at the same time its flowers represent happiness and fulfillment.

In early American weddings what accessory would Victorian brides wear with their wedding gowns?

gloves. The gloves were symbols of modesty and romance. Take the 'g' away and you have a 'pair of loves'.

In which of the following would a Priest performing the wedding ceremony bless a plate of coins and give them to the groom?

Puerto Rico. After the couple exchanges vows the groom give the plate of coins to his bride, which she keeps as a present from her husband. The coins represent good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds.

In which country would the couple getting married exchange wedding rings when the engagement proposal takes place?

Chile. While engaged the couple wear the rings on their right hand. After they are married the rings are switched to the left hand. This is also a tradition in Argentina.

In which country does the mother of the groom and the father of the bride escort the couple down the aisle and stand next to them during the ceremony?

Argentina. Bridesmaids, a maid of honor, or a best man are not part of a traditional wedding in Argentina.

What do Jamaican couples do with the remainder of the wedding cake?

either one. The wedding cake is a dark fruit cake liberally laced with rum. According to one website I found, it stated that the couple sliced the cake and mailed it to friends unable to attend. I had someone who was Jamacian send me a correction notice that the couple usually saved it. I left both answers.

What is placed on top of a wedding cake in Bermuda?

a tiny sapling. After the wedding, the newlyweds plant the young tree and watch it grow as their marriage grows.

On which Pacific Island does the groom present a valuable gift to the bride's father?

Fiji. This present should be a whales tooth which symbolizes status and wealth.

To mark the start of the newlyweds life together, the bride's and groom's parents carry a fire from their hearths to the new couple's home and light a fire, in which country?

South Africa. The twelve symbols of life important in the African culture are: wine, wheat, pepper, salt, bitter herbs, a pot and spoon, a broom, honey, a spear, a shield and a copy of the Bible or Koran. These are often part of the wedding ceremony.

In which country is it a custom to build an arch of pine branches in front of the bride's family home?

Denmark. This arch is called the Gate of Honor. When a couple celebrates their silver anniversary another Gate of Honor is built.

In which country is the bride's wedding ring is called a Claddagh ring?

Ireland. The ring is a heart held by two hands with a crown. Faith is represented by the hands, honor is symbolized by the crown, and the heart signifies love.

In Switzerland the bride wears a crown or wreath symbolizing what?

maidenhood. After the ceremony the wreath is removed and burned. It is considered good luck if the wreath burns quickly.

In which country might you find a pinata hanging from the ceiling?

Mexico. It is usually shaped as a heart or an animal. Children swat at the pinata and the treats are shared by all the guests.

In ancient times brides from which country wore wedding veils of yellow or red which represented fire?

Greece. These colorful veils were supposed to ward off evil spirits and demons.

In which country was it an old tradition for the newlyweds to sneak out of the reception without saying good-bye?

Venezuela. Sneaking out was considered to bring good luck to the marriage. This is not done very often any longer (if at all).