A co-worker of mine sent me an IM today asking about Sayeda (one of my best friends and also a co-worker) … she asked: So, have you heard from the Turkey honeymooner? When does she get back from Jordan? I wanna see pictures, I wanna see camels! … I said: hahahha, you wanna see what? Camels? Why would you see camels? she said: Sayeda told me she was going to the hall on a camel! was she kidding me?!

I could not stop laughing! I have no idea why Sayeda would even say such a thing!

Speaking of weddings, here are a few traditions … 

The Lucky Couple

On a bride’s wedding day in Sweden, a mother will put a gold coin in her daughter’s right shoe. Her father will put a silver one in the left. The bride is then assured a wealthy married life.

A wedding day in Africa calls for a Libation. A few drops of wine or other liquid is poured on the ground for ancestors to enjoy.

As the English couple enters and exits the wedding location, bells ring to scare off any lurking evil spirits. The bride follows the old rhyme of something old, something new but she adds a lucky sixpence in her shoe.

The Greek bride carries a lump of sugar in her glove to make sure her married life is sweet. Planting a tree on your wedding day is common in many countries.

In Switzerland, a pine tree is planted as a symbol of luck and fertility.

In China, the number eight is considered lucky so an eight-course meal is served at the wedding. One of those dishes will feature noodles which stand for longevity. (So make sure the noodle strands are extra long.)

Two Become One

African-Americans often jump over a broomstick decorated with flowers. This custom began during the days of slavery when a traditional wedding ceremony was denied to them.

The new French twosome drinks from a “coup de marriage,” a two-handled cup which is usually passed down from one generation to the next. The wedding night is marked with mischievous pranks called Chiverie. Guests bang on pots and pans to disturb the first night together. This practice came to America and was called Shivaree by the pioneers. Now we tie cans on our cars for the disruptive clanking. [this is so rude ]

During a Mexican marriage ceremony, a rosary is draped around the bride’s and groom’s shoulders and hands to express their unity. At the couple’s first dance, the crowd surrounds them in a heart-shaped ring. [aww, sweet!]

What Will Be, Will Be

Italian couples shatter a vase at their wedding reception. The more pieces of broken glass, the more happy years they will share. [loool, can you imagine!]

In a Russian Orthodox ceremony, the bride and groom are crowned and then race to a white rug. The winner gets to be head of the household. (Maybe you’ll want to wear your running shoes.) [looool, is this for real?!]

In Finland, the groom’s mother balances a china plate on her head during the newly married couple’s first dance. When the plate falls, the shattered pieces are counted to find out how many children the couple will have. [ ]

Besides the Japanese Flag ritual, do we have any old/new traditions in the Arab world?

well, at any rate, you can create your own traditions!