Popping the question is an exciting and rewarding experience. Proposal statistics have shown that men and women differ significantly on this issue, making the endless array of problematic questions that swarm your mind, "Will she say yes? Will she love the ring? Where should I propose?" even more challenging to answer.
Regardless of these differences, it is a meaningful time in anyone's life that will always be remembered. For this reason, we want the proposal to be unique, thoughtful, and perfect. Everything needs to fall into place for your unique engagement, from the perfect ring to the perfect night.
Suppose you are considering asking for someone's hand in marriage, but the expected romantic candlelit dinner is not for you. Why not draw some inspiration from wedding traditions around the world? From gold engagements in Thailand to dancing for approval in Russia to presenting beads in Kenya, we will inspire you with some of the world's most amusing, endearing, and sometimes daring marriage traditions.
THE UNIQUE AND SURPRISING MARRIAGE TRADITIONS OF CHINA
China has its fair share of unique wedding customs. Previously, arranged marriages were very common. The groom's family would present the bride with various gifts, food, and desserts during the proposal. These days, Western traditions like presenting the bride with a diamond ring are much more common. However, some of the older traditions remain.
In the vein of Cupid, some Chinese grooms collect a bow and fire off several arrows at their bride in a gesture of love. The arrows are then collected and broken to ensure the couple's love lasts forever.
The Tujia people of China turn a sombre gesture into an expression of happiness. According to tradition, one month before the bride is to marry, she starts to cry for one hour each day. After these 10 days, her mother follows suit, and 10 days after that, Grandma joins in on the waterworks. By the end of the month, all the women in the family, including the bride, are crying. The women weep in joy, and the different tones of their wailing are supposedly reminiscent of a song.
THAILAND’S GOLDEN ENGAGEMENT TRADITIONS
According to older traditions of Thai culture, men propose to their future wives during a "thong mun," which translates to "gold engagement." This engagement does not involve the exchange of a typical diamond ring; instead, the fiancée and her family are showered with gifts made from gold.
EVEN RUSSIA WARMS UP WITH SOME CHEERFUL AND SWEET MARRIAGE TRADITIONS
It seems as if weddings warm-up Mother Russia with some light-hearted marriage customs. Here, the groom must go to his bride's parents' home and prove his worth to the family by paying a "ransom" for the bride. The groom can also impress by dazzling the family with tons of gifts or, instead, dancing and singing to the family until they agree to the marriage.
During the actual wedding, the new couple shares a sweet bread called karavaya. Without using their hands, whoever takes the biggest bite of the karavaya is considered to be the head of the household.
NO PRESSURE WEDDING CUSTOMS IN KENYA AND GHANA
These two countries may have it all figured out. Instead of facing possible rejection, Kenyan men send their hopeful brides-to-be beads. If she accepts the beads, her family will add decorations, acknowledging and agreeing to the proposal.
In Ghana, grooms also don't have to feel the pressure of knee bending. Instead of asking for her hand in marriage himself, the groom's uncle and mother visit the prospective fiancée and propose marriage on his behalf.
The "knocking ceremony" is also commonly practised in Ghana. According to this tradition, the groom and some of his family members visit the bride's family home to knock on the front door, which signifies his intentions for marriage.
FORMALITY AND SUPERSTITION IN INDIA’S MANY WEDDING CUSTOMS
In Hindu tradition, the groom's father must ask the bride's father for permission to have their children enter into a marriage. When both parties agree to the match, a vow confirming the marriage is written and signed during a ceremony called Lagna Patrika.
For the superstitious among us, the following Indian tradition should pique your interest. A woman born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house is believed to be cursed. It is thought that if this woman gets married, she should prepare for early widowhood. However, there is a cure: Marry a tree first. Supposedly, cutting down this tree breaks the evil spell, enabling her to freely enter a long and prosperous union with the man of her dreams.
Wedding traditions around the world have one thing in common—love. People go to great lengths for the person they wish to spend the rest of their lives with. You may have to shoot arrows, shower families with gifts, or dance your way to yes, but ultimately, it's all for that special person in your life.
Preparing your proposal can make even the strongest and most resolute among us buckle. Please have a look at our marriage proposal tips to set your mind at ease. At Shimansky, we can at least ensure one thing – the perfect ring. We understand the importance of this moment in your life, and with our clean, classic, contemporary and timeless designs, you can't go wrong. Spoil the one you love and celebrate this special occasion together. Please book an appointment at our stores today to find the perfect diamond engagement ring.
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