Here are 7 of the weirdest marriage traditions followed around the world:
France: Potty Mouth
French brides and grooms traditionally eat chocolate and champagne after the reception. Bad news: They must consume these treats from a toilet bowl. The point is to give the twosome strength before their wedding night. Unfortunately, it may come with a stomach ache as well.
Congo: Keep Things Serious
While most about-to-be marrieds brim with excitement and anticipation, Congolese couples must keep their happiness in check. During their entire wedding day, from ceremony to reception, the two are not allowed to smile. If they do, it would mean they aren’t serious about marriage.
China: Bullseye!
Let’s hope the groom remembers to remove the arrowheads. In China, a prospective husband will shoot his bride with a bow and (head-less) arrow several times, then collects the arrows and breaks them during the ceremony, to ensure their love lasts forever.
Greece: A Close Shave
Taking the term “groomsman” literally, on his wedding day, a Greek groom’s best man, or “koumparos,” becomes his barber when he pulls out a razor and shaves his pal’s face. But the groom’s day also has a sweet side. After he’s been freshly shaved, his new mother-in-law will feed him honey and almonds.
Japan: Dress to Impress
On her wedding day, a Japanese bride celebrating a traditional Shinto ceremony wears white from head to toe, including makeup, kimono, and a hood called a “tsunokakushi.” White denotes her maiden status, and the hood hides the so-called “horns of jealousy” she feels towards her mother-in-law.
Lebanon: Party On!
In Lebanon, the wedding celebration, known as the Zaffe, gets off to a rowdy start with music, belly dancing, and shouting at both the groom’s and bride’s homes courtesy of the couple’s friends, family, and, occasionally, professional dancers and musicians. Eventually, everyone ends up at the bride’s house, where the couple is showered with blessings and flower petals as they leave for the ceremony.
Czech Republic: Oh, Baby!
Before a Czech bride and groom tie the knot, an infant is placed on the couple’s bed to bless and enhance their fertility. Once they’ve wed, guests shower them with rice, peas, or lentils—also to promote fertility.