13 Cultural Wedding Traditions That Are Making a Comeback

Discover the enchanting world of cultural wedding traditions that are captivating modern couples and making a grand return to wedding ceremonies around the globe.

1. The Chinese Tea Ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony is regaining its rightful place in weddings. It symbolizes respect and gratitude towards the families. Couples serve tea to their elders, receiving blessings in return. This ritual is seeing a resurgence, blending ancient customs with modern nuptials. It beautifully merges the old with the new, honoring ancestors while celebrating contemporary love.

2. Indian Mehndi Night

Mehndi nights are more vibrant than ever in Indian and South Asian weddings. This tradition involves applying intricate henna designs to the bride’s hands and feet. It’s a festive event with dancing, music, and laughter. Symbolizing beauty, joy, and spiritual awakening, mehndi nights are a pre-wedding favorite. They epitomize the blend of artistry, community, and cultural heritage.

3. Jewish Chuppah

The Jewish chuppah is a wedding canopy that symbolizes the couple’s future home. It’s making a strong comeback, representing protection and sanctity. The chuppah is open on all sides, inviting community and hospitality. This ancient tradition brings a sense of solemnity and inclusion to the wedding. It’s a poignant reminder of the couple’s commitments under the watchful eyes of their loved ones.

4. Scottish Handfasting

Handfasting, an ancient Celtic tradition, is becoming popular again. Couples bind their hands together with a cord or ribbon to symbolize their union. This beautiful ritual is often personalized, reflecting the couple’s unique bond. It’s a physical representation of two lives becoming entwined.

5. Polish Bread and Salt Blessing

In Poland, the bread and salt blessing is a cherished wedding tradition. It welcomes the newlyweds into their new life with symbols of prosperity and health. Parents greet the couple with bread, salt, and wine. This ritual is enjoying renewed popularity, emphasizing the importance of family and sustenance.

6. Japanese San-San-Kudo

San-San-Kudo, a Japanese wedding ritual, involves sharing sake in a series of three sips from three cups. This tradition symbolizes the sealing of bonds. It’s a moment of unity not just for the couple but also for their families. San-San-Kudo is a testament to the enduring nature of shared rituals and commitments.

7. Filipino Veil and Cord Ceremony

The Filipino veil and cord ceremony is gaining traction as well. It symbolizes the couple’s bond and the protection over their marriage. A veil is draped over the couple, and a cord is looped in a figure eight. This ritual is a poignant symbol of unity and eternal love. It beautifully integrates Filipino heritage into the wedding ceremony.

8. Italian La Tarantella Dance

La Tarantella, an Italian folk dance, is making waves at weddings once more. It’s believed to drive away bad spirits and bring good fortune. Couples and guests whirl in a fast-paced, joyful dance. This tradition is a lively, communal celebration of the couple’s happiness. It reflects the spirit of Italian weddings, brimming with life and community.

9. Greek Stefana Crowns

Stefana crowns, linked by a single strand of ribbon, are essential in Greek Orthodox weddings. This tradition, symbolizing unity and royalty, is enjoying a revival. The crowns are exchanged three times, blessing the couple. Stefana crowns weave the divine into the ceremony, highlighting the sacred bond of marriage.

10. Norwegian Bridal Crown

In Norway, the bridal crown tradition is experiencing a resurgence. These elaborate crowns signify purity and virginity. Today, they’re a nod to tradition and heritage, worn with pride. The crown’s jingling bells are said to ward off evil spirits. This tradition brings a touch of Norwegian folklore to weddings.

11. African Jumping the Broom

Jumping the broom is a tradition with roots in African culture, symbolizing the sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new. It’s a vibrant and meaningful addition to weddings, celebrating heritage and unity. This tradition offers a unique moment of joy and symbolism, making it a memorable part of the ceremony.

12. French Beaucoup de Lavande

The French tradition of Beaucoup de Lavande, where couples incorporate lavender in their wedding to symbolize love, devotion, and purity, is blooming once again. Lavender is used in bouquets, decorations, and even in the confetti. This fragrant herb adds a visual charm and aromatic delight to weddings. It’s a nod to French Provencal heritage, adding a layer of romanticism and rustic elegance.

13. Mexican Las Arras

Las Arras, a Mexican wedding tradition, involves the groom presenting the bride with 13 gold coins. These coins represent Christ and his apostles, symbolizing the groom’s commitment to providing for the family. This meaningful exchange is making a comeback, highlighting the spiritual and material union of the couple. Las Arras embodies a promise of prosperity and well-being.

Unlock the Magic of Your Heritage

Are you inspired to incorporate one of these enchanting traditions into your wedding day? Dive deeper into the rich tapestry of cultural ceremonies and discover how to bring these timeless customs to life in your celebration. Each tradition offers a unique way to honor your heritage, create memorable moments, and begin your journey together with a nod to the past and a step into the future.

Love at Any Age: The 12 Relationship Norms You Can Break in Your 50s