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Indian
Wedding bands are made of gold, because gold lasts forever. The ring is placed on the fourth finger, because it is believed the vein from this finger runs directly to the heart. The groom wears his on his right hand and the bride on his left, to symbolize a complete heart.
A Mendhi ceremony is usually held in the late afternoon. Generally this is only attended by the ladies. The bride's hands and feet are painted with a henna paste. The paste is allowed to dry and washed off, leaving behind a stain on the skin. The darker the stain the stronger the love. This stain will last for several days.
The traditional Hindu wedding includes a Sangeet Party at which guests eat, drink, and dance to professional singers.
The sisters and female relatives and friends of the groom visit the bride-to-be and bring her small gifts. This allows the bride to get to know these important people in the groom's life.
The most important ceremony performed on the day before the wedding is the Ghari Puja. The priest comes to the couple's new home and performs a blessing. The bride grinds wheat and the groom offers the priest a handful of the ground wheat to symbolize that, though his life is changing, he will always remain charitable and help those less fortunate than himself. The bride and groom wear old clothing, which is torn off by their friends to symbolize the end of their old life.
In the Hathialo ceremony, the bride's dress is tied to a scarf worn by the groom. Then their hands are bound by a thread that has been blessed. This symbolizes their unity and their new life together.
Irish
The traditional Irish wedding ring features a Claddagh. The heart held by two hands, with a crown, means love, faith, and honor.
The traditional Irish couple walks to the church and down the aisle together.
Irish brides mix English lavender into their bouquets.
In Ireland, the honeymoon lasts for an entire month! This began because many couples eloped and wanted to hide for a while.
Irish lore states "Marry in May and rue the day. Marry in April if you can; joy for maiden and for man."
Honey mead is served at Irish weddings to protect the bride from faeries who may come to kidnap her.
Irish brides carry a horseshoe for good luck.
The top tier of the Irish wedding cake should be an Irish whiskey cake.
Good Luck:
A fine day
Marrying during harvest
Taking the long road |
Bad Luck:
Marrying on Saturday
Meeting a funeral
Breaking a glass or cup |
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