As do many other countries, Canada has its fair share of cultural traditions when it comes to various aspects of living. Weddings are no exception in the Great White North. Canadian wedding traditions pull from the country’s English and French roots, resulting in fun, quirky ideas for your nuptials. From pre-ceremony hijinks to the marriage service and reception, let’s explore these traditions that are unique to Canada. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these into your own celebration.
Before the Wedding
When a couple decides to get married, the events often start before the special day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, it’s very common for the festivities to be held well in advance. Check out the following pre-ceremony Canadian customs:
Trousseau Tea: This older tradition is named for a term that refers to either a dowry, a bride’s outfit or a chest used to collect clothing for young single women in anticipation of marriage. The mother of the bride hosts a party or tea for casual acquaintances and friends who might not be otherwise invited to the marriage ceremony. The bride’s trousseau was put on display, while pastries, confections and other sweet treats were served. This very old practice is mostly obsolete but may be a great idea for the couple with a lot of friends.
Pre-Wedding Fundraiser for the Couple: This pre-celebration social is an opportunity for close friends and family to raise money to support an engaged couple. Names for this event vary across Canada, but some common terms include stag and doe, buck and doe, shag or wedding social. Invitations to this party are often extended to friends who might not be invited to the main event. Guests purchase entry tickets and pay small amounts of money to play games. Proceeds are usually donated to the couple to either pay for the wedding, honeymoon or other costs associated with starting life together.
On the Day Of Wedding
Most Canadian ceremonies will feature a processional involving the couple and members of the bridal party, but consider a procession of the couple and others to the wedding venue. A distinctively Quebecois tradition involves the groom and his loved ones meeting the bride at her residence. The couple then proceeds to the venue with the bride’s parents in a motorcade, wherein some cars are decorated for the wedding. On the way to the church, participants will honk their horns and tell passersby about the nuptials. These bystanders will shout good wishes in response. At the end of the parade, everyone enters the church or venue together.
At the “Afterparty”
Another popular French-Canadian custom takes place at the reception. Unmarried siblings of the bride and groom will perform a silly dance to a special song while wearing loud, colorful and sometimes ugly socks. Reception attendees respond by tossing money to be collected and donated to the newly married couple as a collective gift for starting their life together. Would-be dancers are encouraged to be as silly as possible. In parts of Manitoba, dancing trios perform a Ukrainian dance called the “butterfly” at the reception.
In lieu of presents, some receptions request that guests bring money to donate to the newlyweds. A succinct, discreet way of doing this is by stating “presentation only” on the wedding invitation. While long receptions aren’t strictly Canadian, many celebrations extend well into the early morning of the next day, long after the wedded couple has left the building.
Weddings are a great time to incorporate many customs and cultural elements. For engaged partners in Canada, there are old and current traditions that are worth considering for incorporation into the festivities. From pre- to post-wedding events, ponder these Canadian customs for a fun and memorable way to kick off this new phase of life.
December is a month with a lot going on and known for one of the most valuable traditions. While it has the distinction of closing out the year, this is also a time when people tend to come together to enjoy a number of different holidays. For those who celebrate Christmas, annual traditions are a big part of the experience. From hanging lights on a tree to wrapping presents, there are plenty of rituals associated with the Christmas season. Interestingly, many trace their origins back to pagan roots. Read up on how some popular holiday actions got started to learn more.
A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe
Most people are familiar with the tradition of hanging mistletoe. The idea is to place a sprig of this plant in the arch of a doorway. Should two people be caught standing beneath the mistletoe together, it is meant to encourage the two to kiss. While a sweet and common image of the holiday season, the tradition is one that dates back to various pagan communities across Europe. The Celtic druids, for example, viewed mistletoe with reverence and believed the plant symbolized peace, joy, and protection from dangerous forces of nature like lightning.
The tradition of kissing beneath the mistletoe might have started with the Celts. According to historians, enemies who met beneath boughs of mistletoe had to seek a truce. Though not exactly the same as encouraging a kiss, the idea of the plant easing strife between enemies is one that easily connects with the modern symbol of mistletoe.
The Gift of Giving As A Tradition
It is hard to imagine the holiday season without presents. Though most people would argue that Christmas has become too commercial in recent years, the practice of giving presents to people is far from a new idea. The Roman festival of Saturnalia was typically held in the middle of December and honored the agricultural aspects of the god Saturn. During the festival, it was quite common for friends and family to give each other small gifts for luck. Additionally, charitable acts were encouraged, and many would give presents to the poor as a gesture of kindness.
A Palette of Red and Green
Certain colors immediately jump to mind when thinking about Christmas. Red and green are shades that most people associate with the holiday season, found everywhere from Santa’s suit to the boughs of the evergreen. The color combo traces its roots back to the pagan practice of decorating with holly and ivy. The pagans of Europe were fond of using the red berries and verdant leaves of these plants in various solstice rituals. In fact, both holly and ivy have a deep symbolic connection to the holiday season.
The Romans believed holly was sacred to Saturn and ivy to Bacchus. Decorating homes and outfits with sprigs of these plants was a way of showing respect to the deities. To this day, the reds and greens of these plants can be found in holiday decor.
A Wreath of Laurel
Laurel is a plant that the Romans associated with the god Apollo. It was quite common for the winners of competitions in Rome to be gifted crowns of laurel that symbolized victory. During the holiday season, families would often make wreaths of the plant in order to pay homage to Apollo. Over time, pagan groups in regions where laurel was not plentiful would swap in other plants like evergreen to make wreaths. Eventually, the modern practice of creating a Christmas wreath from the greens of winter plants and hanging the finished product on the door was born.
It is hard to deny just how many rituals are involved with the holiday season. From hanging wreaths on doors to giving presents to caroling, there are all kinds of traditions with interesting pagan origins. Dig deeper into the details of these early practices and see what you can discover on your own.
There are quite a few wedding traditions which are shared around the world. Solemnizing the union of a couple is a time-honored celebration that has been influenced by many customs and traditions. From the white wedding gown to a multi-tiered cake, there are a number of practices that have endured across geographic boundaries, cultures, and generations. Despite the persistence of these customs, it’s important to remember that your wedding day is the beginning of your life with your spouse-to-be. It’s entirely up to you to decide on the details.
Separating the Couple
The custom of couples spending the night before the wedding apart descends from the tradition of arranged marriages. The families of the couple would make arrangements to marry, often without the input of the couple. It was believed that if a bride and groom saw each other before the wedding day, one or both might be a no-show at the ceremony. There’s a really good chance that you know the person you’re marrying, and you might already be living together. Don’t break your necks trying to avoid seeing each other the day before you say “I do.”
Giving the Bride Away
The custom of the bride being given away by a parent, usually the father, originated with the concept of a woman being the property of a man. A wedding was a business exchange between the bride’s father and future husband. Not only is this patriarchal custom very outdated, but it also might not even be applicable to your situation. Some marriage ceremonies don’t involve brides, and you or your partner might prefer to have a mother or someone else walk you down the aisle.
Saying No to the Dress
While a white wedding gown is an iconic symbol of nuptials, there’s no rule that says you have to wear one. You don’t even have to wear a dress. At the very least, you and your partner should both be comfortable for the marriage ceremony as well as the reception and other events. Marriage celebrations featuring more casual outfits and relaxed attire are becoming more popular, not just for the couple but the wedding party and guests also. It’s your special day, not Fashion Week in Paris, New York, or Milan.
Abandoning Traditions Rooted in Superstition
Marriage traditions such as “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” are rooted in outdated superstitions. These gifts for a bride were thought to ward away evil spirits and boost fertility for the sake of the marriage. Similarly, the bouquet and garter tosses originated in superstition. People once believed that the bride was full of good luck, and a portion of her bouquet and outfit would transfer that luck to the recipients in being the next to get married. Of course, these traditions can be harmless fun, but even spiritually minded celebrants may not like the idea of introducing superstition to their nuptials.
Changing The Traditions and Ditching The Cake
Similar to a white gown, a white, multi-tiered cake is also symbolic of marriage celebrations. In today’s world where food allergies and sustainable sourcing are important to celebrants and guests, feel free to deviate from this particular custom. You can do other types of desserts such as small cakes, pastries, cookies, and pies that are pre-portioned for individual servings. Ingredients such as sugar, dairy, and gluten may not be tolerated well by participants. You can even ditch the cake altogether.
Marriage ceremonies are intended to be pleasant occasions, especially for the soon-to-be newlyweds. It’s up to you and your partner to create an event that you’ll recall fondly for years to come. While wedding traditions may be fun and innocent, some of them have outdated roots. Additionally, they can also be an unintended source of stress if you have to go to extra trouble to keep the customs.
The year 2020 is a leap year, and there are many traditions and folklore surrounding both leap years and the date of February 29th.
A leap year only comes around every four years ostensibly to synchronize the calendar year with the season, and 2020 is one of them. Non-leap years are called common years. The Gregorian calendar is not the only one that adds days to keep it on track. The Hebrew calendar adds a 13th month within its cycles to keep the seasons and calendar synchronous. On February 29, there are many traditions and folklore that make it fun.
Gender Role Reversals
Traditionally, men have proposed to women when it comes to marriage. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is that a woman might appear desperate or too aggressive if they were the ones who proposed. The first legend of a woman having the option to propose is from the fifth century, when the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, granted permission to single women who had shy suitors to propose marriage. It’s thought that St. Brigid of Kildare requested that this tradition happen every leap year.
There’s another tradition that says Queen Margaret put a law on the books requiring a man to pay a fine if he turned the lady down, typically in the form of a pair of gloves, a flower and one pound. However, it’s unlikely that Queen Margaret actually did put the law into motion, because she was only five at the time the said law went into effect.
In Finland, the custom is that the man buys the woman fabrics for a skirt. In the 17th century, it is thought that women would wear a scarlet petticoat if they were going to take advantage of leap year and propose. This gave the potential groom fair warning.
Popular Culture
These traditions are most likely the precursor to Sadie Hawkins Day, which is the United States’ folk tradition celebrated on the first Saturday after November 9th. It’s a gender role reversal day when women and girls take the initiative to invite men on a date or even to propose marriage. Feminists of today believe the holiday is outdated, but some actually say that the tradition can empower women.
In 2010, Amy Adams starred in “Leap Year,” a movie that relates to the tradition of leap year. The character, Anna, follows her boyfriend to Dublin to propose on February 29. Through twists and turns, Anna is of course foiled, travels throughout Ireland and must face the truth about her relationship. It’s a fun and interesting movie.
Leap Year Traditions
In Greece, it’s considered unlucky to get married during the leap year. That must be rough on the wedding industry, because at least 20 percent of couples will avoid getting married during a leap year. In Greek culture, it’s also considered bad luck to start anything new during the leap year, whether it be baptizing a child, starting a business, or taking off on a journey. According to superstition, a marriage or engagement that begins in a leap year will undoubtedly end in a tragedy, such as divorce or death.
In Ukraine, the saint for February 29 is Cassian, who is said to have brought sickness to animals and people with a single gaze. According to legend, Cassian once refused to help a peasant get his cart out of the mud, which prompted God to limit Cassian to one saint’s day every four years. Ukrainians protect their animals and their families by staying inside on February 29. They also won’t marry on the day.
In Today’s Culture
Many people wonder if women really need a special day or year to propose to their partner. There have been some interesting proposals that have reached fame on the television and radio. Women just get tired of waiting for their partner to take the first step. Depending on what your cultural background is, this will ultimately determine whether you feel comfortable taking the step toward marriage during a leap year.
The dreidel comes in many different forms and sizes. Alongside the menorah, this spinning top game is one of the most recognizable Hanukkah traditions.
Spinning the dreidel is a popular game during Hanukkah. Alongside the menorah, this spinning top game is one of the most recognizable Hanukkah traditions. It’s such an integral and memorable custom that some who play with dreidels as kids go on to collect them as adults. Where did this little top come from, and how did it become part of Hanukkah celebrations? The answers to these questions may surprise you.
What Is a Dreidel?
Dreidels come in many different forms and sizes. Chabad explains that most are square or rectangular with four sides and a pointed base. They’re usually made of plastic or wood, but collectible versions can be crafted from silver, bronze, ceramics, glass, crystal, brass, or pewter.
Every dreidel is decorated with four Hebrew letters. However, there are slight differences between those used in Israel and those on dreidels made in other parts of the world. The iCenter for Israel Education clarifies that Israeli dreidels bear the letters nun, gimmel, hay, and pey. These letters stand for “nes gadol hayah po,” which means “a great miracle happened here.” Dreidels outside of Israel are decorated with different letters: nun, gimmel, hay, and shin. These letters stand for “nes gadol hayah sham,” translating as “a great miracle happened there.”
Legends of the Dreidel’s Origins
Chabad retells one common tale that explains the dreidel’s invention. During the middle of the 2nd century B.C.E., Judea was part of the Seleucid Empire ruled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Shortly before the Maccabean revolt, the king had outlawed all Jewish religious practices. Learning the Torah had become a crime punishable by death, Jewish children continued to study it while hiding in caves. When Greek patrols approached, the children would put away their Torah scrolls and play with their spinning tops instead.
Rabbi David Golinkin discusses other explanations for the dreidel’s origins. These include detailed numerological backstories for the four Hebrew letters on the dreidel. Others involved wordplay, and a few insist that they stand for the four classic empires that oppressed the Jewish people: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
Did the Dreidel Come From Ireland?
During the early 1500s, English and Irish children played a spinning top gambling game called “totum.” By the 1700s, it was a Christmas pastime called “teetotum.” The Irish version used a four-sided top with four words: “take all,” “half,” “put down,” and “nothing.” Each player would follow the directions based on how the top landed. Winners took all or half of the pot. “Put down” directed the player to add to the pot. “Nothing” required no action.
Rabbi Golinkin adds that this game made its way to Germany, where the top was decorated with the letters n, g, h, and s. Jewish children eventually learned the game, and Hebrew characters replaced the Roman letters on the top.
Two Names, One Object
Where did the word “dreidel” originate? Merriam-Webster Dictionary explains that it comes from the Yiddish word “dreydl,” derived from the Yiddish verb “dreyen,” which means “to turn.” Yiddish is a fusion of High German and Hebrew, and “dreyen” comes from an older German verb “drǣjen.”
Some people call this top a “sevivon,” a modern Hebrew word taken from the verb “saváv,” meaning “to turn.” The term may have been coined in 1887 by Itamar Ben-Avi, the son of lexicographer Eliezer Ben Yehuda and the first native speaker of modern Hebrew. Israel 21c’s Rachel Neiman mentions that its first printed appearance dates to 1897, with journalist David Isaiah Silberbusch claiming credit for its invention.
More Than Just a Game
Humans have played with spinning tops for thousands of years. In some cultures, these ordinary objects take on deeper meanings. Regardless of the dreidel’s origin, it speaks to joyful celebrations and the strength of the human spirit.
When couples plan their weddings, they must decide what traditions to include. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century?
When couples plan their weddings, they must often decide what traditions to include. These celebrations incorporate basic ceremonial elements such as exchanging vows, but many also feature customs that add layers of meaning or are passed down through families or cultures. Meanwhile, some trends become new traditions while old customs slowly fall out of favor. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century? You may be surprised once you find out.
The Role of Gender in Western Weddings
It’s no secret that many wedding customs were influenced by older social norms. As cold as this sounds, marriages were less about love and more about finances, inheritances, and sometimes political concerns. Unions were arranged in many parts of the world, with women frequently losing any legal rights they had once the ceremonies took place. The Encyclopedia Britannica explains the concept of “coverture,” in which married couples were considered single legal entities, with husbands wielding the most power and decision-making responsibilities. The idea was introduced into English law after the Norman Conquest beginning in 1066. The Canadian Encyclopedia mentions that British cultural influences on marriage and property statutes codified coverture into Canadian law in many areas.
Some wedding traditions are leftover legacies from these societal realities. For instance, you may remember that the bride’s family used to pay for the wedding. Vogue’s Priya Rao reveals that this stems from old dowry customs in which the bride’s family provided physical wealth before a marriage could take place. The Spruce’s Nina Callaway adds that the practice of fathers giving away their daughters during wedding ceremonies is also tied to dowries. This act was a sign that the father was pleased with the marriage negotiations and gave his blessing.
As Societies Change, So Do Weddings
Money Versed writer Liz Collins offers a basic breakdown on wedding traditions that are slowly being abandoned. Unsurprisingly, she listed customs that were once commonplace even in the 20th century:
The bride’s family paying for the wedding
Grooms not seeing their brides before the ceremony
Gendered wedding showers
Bouquet and garter tosses
Wedding Wire’s Alice Prendergast discusses more ways in which Canadian nuptials have changed. For instance, more couples are living together before marriage and fewer choose religious ceremonies. At the same time, a few recent trends are slowly becoming traditions. For instance, the Emily Post Institute details that high-tech weddings are the norm. That’s not a surprise to anyone getting hitched in 2019 or 2020, but what’s interesting is how this resulted from the development of some key innovations over the last few decades. Wedding websites began appearing in the late 1990s, but Pinterest and Instagram were both launched in 2010. Technological developments in photography, music playback, and even e-commerce have roots back in the 1990s or earlier.
Not All Traditions Have Disappeared
While many customs change, others remain the same. In her Wedding Wire piece, Prendergast discloses a few traditional practices that are solidly here to stay. The white wedding dress continues to be a staple, although it’s being reinvented with new details and silhouettes. The first dance is a timeless classic, along with asking for parents’ blessings and popping the question. You’ll also find alcohol at nearly every reception, with everything from signature cocktails to Canadian craft beers. Honeymoons remain popular, although some busy or cash-strapped pairs opt for mini-moons or staycations.
Customized Nuptials Are the Norm
Canadian weddings can be traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. While some old practices remain, couples craft their nuptials to fit their values, purposes, and lifestyles. No matter what customs each chooses to incorporate, these celebrations are ultimately both community events and personalized reflections of both spouses’ creativity, philosophy, and outlook.
Read about these classic Canadian wedding traditions to see if there is one that might inspire you to include in your ceremony.
Weddings have become quite different in recent years. While traditions always change surrounding marriage, more couples are opting to create unique events instead of following old paths. Still, there are many who wish to include some classic rituals in their celebrations. Often, family traditions can work wonders to make your big day feel special. If you don’t have any specific customs in your family you want to include, you might want to broaden your search to the traditions of the nation. There have been some truly interesting Canadian wedding traditions that have come and gone over the years.
Whether you’re native to Canada, a transplant, or just a big fan of the place, you may find it helpful to learn more about these classic customs. These traditions might just inspire you to include one or two in your own event.
Tea Time
A nice cup of tea has a way of warming the spirit. It also can be lovely to share a pot with friends and indulge in conversation and laughter. If you agree with this sentiment, then the custom of Trousseau Tea might be great for your wedding. Customarily, this involves the mother of the bride hosting a luncheon in honor of the bride and her approaching marriage. The event is also made to include anyone who might not have been invited to the actual wedding. Coworkers, loose acquaintances, and neighbors might want to come by and wish the bride well.
The name of this tradition comes from the word trousseau, or the collection of gifts a bride receives for her upcoming marriage. Though Trousseau Tea was once a regular affair for brides and their friends, modern traditions have pushed it toward antiquity. If you’d like to breathe some new life into the tradition, you can host your own Trousseau Tea. Serve your favorite blend, offer some finger foods, and take a bit of time to have a casual gathering with a handful of people you love.
Party Train
Across Canada there have been some fun traditions that have appeared over the years. A certain French-Canadian tradition involves where everyone meets on the day of the event. According to this custom, the groomsmen are to prepare for the wedding with the groom and the bridesmaids with the bride. After getting ready, the groomsmen take the groom to the house of the bride. Both groups then split between as many cars as possible, forming a long train of vehicles that travel to the ceremony. Along the way, members of the wedding party are encouraged to shout and honk in celebration.
Now, this is a tradition that will work better for some crowds than others. If you are the type of person who loves raucous celebrations, then this is definitely a custom for you. On the other hand, you might want to have a quiet morning and make your way to your ceremony without feeling stressed or rushed. Either way, the tradition is a nice way for the closest friends and family members of the happy couple to publicly express their joy over the union.
Collecting Money
There are many wedding customs around the world involving money. Since these events are usually expensive, it makes total sense that traditions would form around showering the happy couple with cash. One Canadian tradition involves the bride dancing around the reception while holding her shoes. The idea is for the guests to approach the bride and place money in the shoes to help pay for the event and to show some good faith in the future of the marriage. Though still popular in some regions, this tradition has slowly faded away in other areas.
Traditions come and go as time marches forward. Find rituals you connect with and include whatever feels right.
During Lent, religious artifacts, such as this crucifix, will be covered for the entire duration of the fast.
One common thread between most Christian religions is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, or Easter. The weeks leading up to Easter are often used as a time of remembrance of Christ’s ministry and what he went through before his death. In Christianity, the season of Lent is the 40 days before Easter. Because the date of Easter is based on a lunar, rather than solar, calendar, the beginning of Lent changes each year. Traditionally, the first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday, which in 2017 falls on March 1.
Traditions of Lent
On Ash Wednesday, Christians attend a worship service in which the minister or priest makes the sign of a cross with ashes on the forehead of the worshipper. This symbolizes the sinfulness before God and human mortality. In the Bible, in both Hebrews and Numbers, the ashes of a red heifer would sanctify the ceremonially unclean. Ashes were thought to be purifying.
Human sorrow is represented by ashes. In the book of Esther, the Jews “lay in sackcloth and ashes” as a way of mourning the edict of the King that allowed for the destruction of the Jews. Job used dust and ashes as a symbol of repentance.
Fasting is one of the most common ways that Lent is observed. In older times, the tradition would be to have one full meal per day, with smaller meals allowed. The idea was that a person should have enough food to sustain strength, but never enough to feel full. Each community would have their own traditions, but generally, animal products were forbidden. Fish and fowl might be allowed on Fridays.
On Sundays, the fast would be suspended, but during Lent, Christians would refrain from saying “Alleluia” or the “Gloria in excelsis Deo” rite. These rituals were associated with joy. Because Lent was a time of sorrow, the words would be replaced with another phrase or simply omitted during the season.
During Lent the religious objects such as the cross, statues and pictures might be veiled for the entire 40 days. However, Anglican and Methodist churches traditionally only cover the objects on Good Friday. In more progressive churches, the liturgy of Lent might not be observed at all. Instead, the emphasis is on Easter Sunday, rather than penitence.
Fasting for Social Change
One current trend seen around Lent is that of a positive fast. People don’t just give up food or pleasure, but instead contribute to environmental stewardship. At Greenanglicans.org, people are remembering the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness by doing one thing every day to be more environmentally conscious. For example, have dinner by candlelight and then talk and play games together.
Charisma House, a Christian publisher, is suggesting a 10-day word fast from complaining, criticism, sarcasm and gossip. According to Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” The study asks you to watch what you say for just 10 days, to help you change a pattern of discouragement and negativity.
Another interesting concept is taking on atheism for Lent. For 40 days, a Christian examines literature that speaks to who God is and his or her beliefs in God. It’s a time to examine ideological structures of religion.
You do not have to honor Lent to celebrate Easter, but respect those who do. It’s a Christian tradition that means a lot to those who do partake in the season.
One of the most common wedding traditions practiced to this day is the catching of the bride’s bouquet.
The idea of getting married is nothing new. In fact, weddings are some of the oldest ceremonies to have been documented across all civilizations. There are a lot of traditions that have persisted through the years even if the mentality behind a wedding has changed. In Canada, for example, there are plenty of unique ways of going about the process of marrying your partner.
Common Wedding Traditions
Planning for a wedding requires time and research. Here are a few wedding practices that appear often in Canadian rituals in the current day and age, as well as in other cultures across the world.
Catch the Bouquet
One common tradition found in many weddings is the tossing of the bouquet. Traditionally, this is an act by the bride, who tosses the flowers backwards over her shoulder toward a crowd of single friends and relatives. It is customary for this part of the ceremony to only include women, but shifting attitudes have shown that single men can also get in on the fun if the married couple so wishes. The history behind this act is a bit more interesting than might be first believed.
In older cultures, it was common for single women to tear away a piece of the bride’s dress. This was meant as a gesture of good luck for the women holding the strip of garment. As wedding dresses became more expensive, brides found that it was a bit much to have their families and friends tearing away at their beautiful gowns. The bouquet toss was a custom introduced to ward away women who wanted a piece of luck and provide them with a competitive chance for their wishes.
Eternal Love
Some traditions are so ingrained in the cultural sphere that it’s hard to imagine another way of going about the process. Rings, for example, are the cornerstone of an engagement and subsequent wedding. There have been many different approaches to the exchanging of rings over the years. Essentially, experts have traced the tradition of the ring back to Egypt in its earliest days of civilization.
The Egyptians would trade rings as a sign of eternal love and commitment. Eventually, due to the conquests of the Greeks and Romans, the tradition was adopted. As civilization expanded through Europe, the custom became more widespread until it reached the height that it exists at now. The custom of wearing a wedding ring on a specific finger can also be traced back to the Egyptians. They believed that the third finger on the left hand was the one most closely connected to the human heart.
White Wedding
A common practice in the modern age is for a woman to wear white on her wedding day. This is actually not as old of a tradition as many might believe. In Western culture, the custom of wearing white began as a way of symbolizing the purity of the bride. This started during the Victorian Era in England and has persisted to the modern day in many countries. What’s more fascinating is that brides across the world wore a multitude of colors on their wedding day before this practice began.
White was a rare color to be seen during a ceremony in earlier traditions. It has lively and vibrant colors being more closely associated with the passion and beauty of shared love. Though it seems that most brides wear white in the current age, the trend is being pushed against. More women are wearing dresses that match their personal tastes rather than taking part in a tradition that holds no meaning for them.
As you plan your wedding, consider the meaning behind current customs. You may want to break from tradition or go with the flow – the choice is yours.
There are all kinds of traditions that continue through the world. Many have similarities while others can be vastly different.
If you’re trying to plan a unique ceremony for your special day, check out some of these special wedding traditions from around the world.
Wedding Traditions from other Cultures
Congo – Brides and grooms aren’t allowed to smile on their wedding day. When they do, it shows that they aren’t serious about the marriage.
China – The bride travels to the groom’s home in a decorated sedan chair. Attendants take care of the bride on the journey by holding parasols to shield her from the elements. They throw rice at the chair as a sign of prosperity and health. Female bridesmaids put the groom through a series of tests for him to prove his worthiness of the bride. He must give them envelopes of money before they’ll allow him to have their friend.
Fiji – The potential bridegroom must present his father with a whale’s tooth when he asks for her hand in marriage.
Jamaica – The bride is paraded through the streets. If the villagers go home, it means she didn’t look her best. She must go home and spruce herself up for another go.
Some Other Cultures Practices
Guatemala – The groom’s parents host the reception party. The groom’s mother breaks a ceramic bell filled with grains to give the couple prosperity.
Germany – The guests break porcelain dishes in front of the new home. The bride and groom are to clean these dishes up together as a demonstration of working together to overcome anything.
Scotland – Gretna Green is the place to elope. In medieval times, Gretna Green would marry young couples who did not always have parental permission.
Kenya – The bride’s father spits on her as she leaves the reception. It’s thought to preempt fate by not seeming too supportive of the couple.
Greece – The best man (or groom’s best friend) shaves the groom before the wedding. The new mother-in-law feeds him honey and almonds.
Japan – A Shinto bride wears white from head to toe. The head covering is thought to hide the horns of jealousy toward her new mother-in-law. The white symbolizes her maidenhood.
Norway – The traditional cake is called kransekake. It’s a tower of almond cake rings stacked on top of each other. The center is often filled with a wine bottle. The bride may wear a gold and silver crown with small trinkets as part of her wedding finery. As she moves, the trinkets jingle, which scares off the evil spirits.
Russia – Couples partake of a sweetbread called karavaya which is decorated with grains of wheat for fertility. Whoever takes the largest bite without using their hands is thought to be the head of the family.
As you go through this list, you might notice that many of the wedding traditions are similar to customs we have here. It just shows that we’re more alike than we think.
As do many other countries, Canada has its fair share of cultural traditions when it comes to various aspects of living. Weddings are no exception in the Great White North. Canadian wedding traditions pull from the country’s English and French roots, resulting in fun, quirky ideas for your nuptials. From pre-ceremony hijinks to the marriage service and reception, let’s explore these traditions that are unique to Canada. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these into your own celebration.
Before the Wedding
When a couple decides to get married, the events often start before the special day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, it’s very common for the festivities to be held well in advance. Check out the following pre-ceremony Canadian customs:
Trousseau Tea: This older tradition is named for a term that refers to either a dowry, a bride’s outfit or a chest used to collect clothing for young single women in anticipation of marriage. The mother of the bride hosts a party or tea for casual acquaintances and friends who might not be otherwise invited to the marriage ceremony. The bride’s trousseau was put on display, while pastries, confections and other sweet treats were served. This very old practice is mostly obsolete but may be a great idea for the couple with a lot of friends.
Pre-Wedding Fundraiser for the Couple: This pre-celebration social is an opportunity for close friends and family to raise money to support an engaged couple. Names for this event vary across Canada, but some common terms include stag and doe, buck and doe, shag or wedding social. Invitations to this party are often extended to friends who might not be invited to the main event. Guests purchase entry tickets and pay small amounts of money to play games. Proceeds are usually donated to the couple to either pay for the wedding, honeymoon or other costs associated with starting life together.
On the Day Of Wedding
Most Canadian ceremonies will feature a processional involving the couple and members of the bridal party, but consider a procession of the couple and others to the wedding venue. A distinctively Quebecois tradition involves the groom and his loved ones meeting the bride at her residence. The couple then proceeds to the venue with the bride’s parents in a motorcade, wherein some cars are decorated for the wedding. On the way to the church, participants will honk their horns and tell passersby about the nuptials. These bystanders will shout good wishes in response. At the end of the parade, everyone enters the church or venue together.
At the “Afterparty”
Another popular French-Canadian custom takes place at the reception. Unmarried siblings of the bride and groom will perform a silly dance to a special song while wearing loud, colorful and sometimes ugly socks. Reception attendees respond by tossing money to be collected and donated to the newly married couple as a collective gift for starting their life together. Would-be dancers are encouraged to be as silly as possible. In parts of Manitoba, dancing trios perform a Ukrainian dance called the “butterfly” at the reception.
In lieu of presents, some receptions request that guests bring money to donate to the newlyweds. A succinct, discreet way of doing this is by stating “presentation only” on the wedding invitation. While long receptions aren’t strictly Canadian, many celebrations extend well into the early morning of the next day, long after the wedded couple has left the building.
Weddings are a great time to incorporate many customs and cultural elements. For engaged partners in Canada, there are old and current traditions that are worth considering for incorporation into the festivities. From pre- to post-wedding events, ponder these Canadian customs for a fun and memorable way to kick off this new phase of life.
December is a month with a lot going on and known for one of the most valuable traditions. While it has the distinction of closing out the year, this is also a time when people tend to come together to enjoy a number of different holidays. For those who celebrate Christmas, annual traditions are a big part of the experience. From hanging lights on a tree to wrapping presents, there are plenty of rituals associated with the Christmas season. Interestingly, many trace their origins back to pagan roots. Read up on how some popular holiday actions got started to learn more.
A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe
Most people are familiar with the tradition of hanging mistletoe. The idea is to place a sprig of this plant in the arch of a doorway. Should two people be caught standing beneath the mistletoe together, it is meant to encourage the two to kiss. While a sweet and common image of the holiday season, the tradition is one that dates back to various pagan communities across Europe. The Celtic druids, for example, viewed mistletoe with reverence and believed the plant symbolized peace, joy, and protection from dangerous forces of nature like lightning.
The tradition of kissing beneath the mistletoe might have started with the Celts. According to historians, enemies who met beneath boughs of mistletoe had to seek a truce. Though not exactly the same as encouraging a kiss, the idea of the plant easing strife between enemies is one that easily connects with the modern symbol of mistletoe.
The Gift of Giving As A Tradition
It is hard to imagine the holiday season without presents. Though most people would argue that Christmas has become too commercial in recent years, the practice of giving presents to people is far from a new idea. The Roman festival of Saturnalia was typically held in the middle of December and honored the agricultural aspects of the god Saturn. During the festival, it was quite common for friends and family to give each other small gifts for luck. Additionally, charitable acts were encouraged, and many would give presents to the poor as a gesture of kindness.
A Palette of Red and Green
Certain colors immediately jump to mind when thinking about Christmas. Red and green are shades that most people associate with the holiday season, found everywhere from Santa’s suit to the boughs of the evergreen. The color combo traces its roots back to the pagan practice of decorating with holly and ivy. The pagans of Europe were fond of using the red berries and verdant leaves of these plants in various solstice rituals. In fact, both holly and ivy have a deep symbolic connection to the holiday season.
The Romans believed holly was sacred to Saturn and ivy to Bacchus. Decorating homes and outfits with sprigs of these plants was a way of showing respect to the deities. To this day, the reds and greens of these plants can be found in holiday decor.
A Wreath of Laurel
Laurel is a plant that the Romans associated with the god Apollo. It was quite common for the winners of competitions in Rome to be gifted crowns of laurel that symbolized victory. During the holiday season, families would often make wreaths of the plant in order to pay homage to Apollo. Over time, pagan groups in regions where laurel was not plentiful would swap in other plants like evergreen to make wreaths. Eventually, the modern practice of creating a Christmas wreath from the greens of winter plants and hanging the finished product on the door was born.
It is hard to deny just how many rituals are involved with the holiday season. From hanging wreaths on doors to giving presents to caroling, there are all kinds of traditions with interesting pagan origins. Dig deeper into the details of these early practices and see what you can discover on your own.
There are quite a few wedding traditions which are shared around the world. Solemnizing the union of a couple is a time-honored celebration that has been influenced by many customs and traditions. From the white wedding gown to a multi-tiered cake, there are a number of practices that have endured across geographic boundaries, cultures, and generations. Despite the persistence of these customs, it’s important to remember that your wedding day is the beginning of your life with your spouse-to-be. It’s entirely up to you to decide on the details.
Separating the Couple
The custom of couples spending the night before the wedding apart descends from the tradition of arranged marriages. The families of the couple would make arrangements to marry, often without the input of the couple. It was believed that if a bride and groom saw each other before the wedding day, one or both might be a no-show at the ceremony. There’s a really good chance that you know the person you’re marrying, and you might already be living together. Don’t break your necks trying to avoid seeing each other the day before you say “I do.”
Giving the Bride Away
The custom of the bride being given away by a parent, usually the father, originated with the concept of a woman being the property of a man. A wedding was a business exchange between the bride’s father and future husband. Not only is this patriarchal custom very outdated, but it also might not even be applicable to your situation. Some marriage ceremonies don’t involve brides, and you or your partner might prefer to have a mother or someone else walk you down the aisle.
Saying No to the Dress
While a white wedding gown is an iconic symbol of nuptials, there’s no rule that says you have to wear one. You don’t even have to wear a dress. At the very least, you and your partner should both be comfortable for the marriage ceremony as well as the reception and other events. Marriage celebrations featuring more casual outfits and relaxed attire are becoming more popular, not just for the couple but the wedding party and guests also. It’s your special day, not Fashion Week in Paris, New York, or Milan.
Abandoning Traditions Rooted in Superstition
Marriage traditions such as “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” are rooted in outdated superstitions. These gifts for a bride were thought to ward away evil spirits and boost fertility for the sake of the marriage. Similarly, the bouquet and garter tosses originated in superstition. People once believed that the bride was full of good luck, and a portion of her bouquet and outfit would transfer that luck to the recipients in being the next to get married. Of course, these traditions can be harmless fun, but even spiritually minded celebrants may not like the idea of introducing superstition to their nuptials.
Changing The Traditions and Ditching The Cake
Similar to a white gown, a white, multi-tiered cake is also symbolic of marriage celebrations. In today’s world where food allergies and sustainable sourcing are important to celebrants and guests, feel free to deviate from this particular custom. You can do other types of desserts such as small cakes, pastries, cookies, and pies that are pre-portioned for individual servings. Ingredients such as sugar, dairy, and gluten may not be tolerated well by participants. You can even ditch the cake altogether.
Marriage ceremonies are intended to be pleasant occasions, especially for the soon-to-be newlyweds. It’s up to you and your partner to create an event that you’ll recall fondly for years to come. While wedding traditions may be fun and innocent, some of them have outdated roots. Additionally, they can also be an unintended source of stress if you have to go to extra trouble to keep the customs.
The year 2020 is a leap year, and there are many traditions and folklore surrounding both leap years and the date of February 29th.
A leap year only comes around every four years ostensibly to synchronize the calendar year with the season, and 2020 is one of them. Non-leap years are called common years. The Gregorian calendar is not the only one that adds days to keep it on track. The Hebrew calendar adds a 13th month within its cycles to keep the seasons and calendar synchronous. On February 29, there are many traditions and folklore that make it fun.
Gender Role Reversals
Traditionally, men have proposed to women when it comes to marriage. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is that a woman might appear desperate or too aggressive if they were the ones who proposed. The first legend of a woman having the option to propose is from the fifth century, when the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, granted permission to single women who had shy suitors to propose marriage. It’s thought that St. Brigid of Kildare requested that this tradition happen every leap year.
There’s another tradition that says Queen Margaret put a law on the books requiring a man to pay a fine if he turned the lady down, typically in the form of a pair of gloves, a flower and one pound. However, it’s unlikely that Queen Margaret actually did put the law into motion, because she was only five at the time the said law went into effect.
In Finland, the custom is that the man buys the woman fabrics for a skirt. In the 17th century, it is thought that women would wear a scarlet petticoat if they were going to take advantage of leap year and propose. This gave the potential groom fair warning.
Popular Culture
These traditions are most likely the precursor to Sadie Hawkins Day, which is the United States’ folk tradition celebrated on the first Saturday after November 9th. It’s a gender role reversal day when women and girls take the initiative to invite men on a date or even to propose marriage. Feminists of today believe the holiday is outdated, but some actually say that the tradition can empower women.
In 2010, Amy Adams starred in “Leap Year,” a movie that relates to the tradition of leap year. The character, Anna, follows her boyfriend to Dublin to propose on February 29. Through twists and turns, Anna is of course foiled, travels throughout Ireland and must face the truth about her relationship. It’s a fun and interesting movie.
Leap Year Traditions
In Greece, it’s considered unlucky to get married during the leap year. That must be rough on the wedding industry, because at least 20 percent of couples will avoid getting married during a leap year. In Greek culture, it’s also considered bad luck to start anything new during the leap year, whether it be baptizing a child, starting a business, or taking off on a journey. According to superstition, a marriage or engagement that begins in a leap year will undoubtedly end in a tragedy, such as divorce or death.
In Ukraine, the saint for February 29 is Cassian, who is said to have brought sickness to animals and people with a single gaze. According to legend, Cassian once refused to help a peasant get his cart out of the mud, which prompted God to limit Cassian to one saint’s day every four years. Ukrainians protect their animals and their families by staying inside on February 29. They also won’t marry on the day.
In Today’s Culture
Many people wonder if women really need a special day or year to propose to their partner. There have been some interesting proposals that have reached fame on the television and radio. Women just get tired of waiting for their partner to take the first step. Depending on what your cultural background is, this will ultimately determine whether you feel comfortable taking the step toward marriage during a leap year.
The dreidel comes in many different forms and sizes. Alongside the menorah, this spinning top game is one of the most recognizable Hanukkah traditions.
Spinning the dreidel is a popular game during Hanukkah. Alongside the menorah, this spinning top game is one of the most recognizable Hanukkah traditions. It’s such an integral and memorable custom that some who play with dreidels as kids go on to collect them as adults. Where did this little top come from, and how did it become part of Hanukkah celebrations? The answers to these questions may surprise you.
What Is a Dreidel?
Dreidels come in many different forms and sizes. Chabad explains that most are square or rectangular with four sides and a pointed base. They’re usually made of plastic or wood, but collectible versions can be crafted from silver, bronze, ceramics, glass, crystal, brass, or pewter.
Every dreidel is decorated with four Hebrew letters. However, there are slight differences between those used in Israel and those on dreidels made in other parts of the world. The iCenter for Israel Education clarifies that Israeli dreidels bear the letters nun, gimmel, hay, and pey. These letters stand for “nes gadol hayah po,” which means “a great miracle happened here.” Dreidels outside of Israel are decorated with different letters: nun, gimmel, hay, and shin. These letters stand for “nes gadol hayah sham,” translating as “a great miracle happened there.”
Legends of the Dreidel’s Origins
Chabad retells one common tale that explains the dreidel’s invention. During the middle of the 2nd century B.C.E., Judea was part of the Seleucid Empire ruled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Shortly before the Maccabean revolt, the king had outlawed all Jewish religious practices. Learning the Torah had become a crime punishable by death, Jewish children continued to study it while hiding in caves. When Greek patrols approached, the children would put away their Torah scrolls and play with their spinning tops instead.
Rabbi David Golinkin discusses other explanations for the dreidel’s origins. These include detailed numerological backstories for the four Hebrew letters on the dreidel. Others involved wordplay, and a few insist that they stand for the four classic empires that oppressed the Jewish people: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
Did the Dreidel Come From Ireland?
During the early 1500s, English and Irish children played a spinning top gambling game called “totum.” By the 1700s, it was a Christmas pastime called “teetotum.” The Irish version used a four-sided top with four words: “take all,” “half,” “put down,” and “nothing.” Each player would follow the directions based on how the top landed. Winners took all or half of the pot. “Put down” directed the player to add to the pot. “Nothing” required no action.
Rabbi Golinkin adds that this game made its way to Germany, where the top was decorated with the letters n, g, h, and s. Jewish children eventually learned the game, and Hebrew characters replaced the Roman letters on the top.
Two Names, One Object
Where did the word “dreidel” originate? Merriam-Webster Dictionary explains that it comes from the Yiddish word “dreydl,” derived from the Yiddish verb “dreyen,” which means “to turn.” Yiddish is a fusion of High German and Hebrew, and “dreyen” comes from an older German verb “drǣjen.”
Some people call this top a “sevivon,” a modern Hebrew word taken from the verb “saváv,” meaning “to turn.” The term may have been coined in 1887 by Itamar Ben-Avi, the son of lexicographer Eliezer Ben Yehuda and the first native speaker of modern Hebrew. Israel 21c’s Rachel Neiman mentions that its first printed appearance dates to 1897, with journalist David Isaiah Silberbusch claiming credit for its invention.
More Than Just a Game
Humans have played with spinning tops for thousands of years. In some cultures, these ordinary objects take on deeper meanings. Regardless of the dreidel’s origin, it speaks to joyful celebrations and the strength of the human spirit.
When couples plan their weddings, they must decide what traditions to include. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century?
When couples plan their weddings, they must often decide what traditions to include. These celebrations incorporate basic ceremonial elements such as exchanging vows, but many also feature customs that add layers of meaning or are passed down through families or cultures. Meanwhile, some trends become new traditions while old customs slowly fall out of favor. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century? You may be surprised once you find out.
The Role of Gender in Western Weddings
It’s no secret that many wedding customs were influenced by older social norms. As cold as this sounds, marriages were less about love and more about finances, inheritances, and sometimes political concerns. Unions were arranged in many parts of the world, with women frequently losing any legal rights they had once the ceremonies took place. The Encyclopedia Britannica explains the concept of “coverture,” in which married couples were considered single legal entities, with husbands wielding the most power and decision-making responsibilities. The idea was introduced into English law after the Norman Conquest beginning in 1066. The Canadian Encyclopedia mentions that British cultural influences on marriage and property statutes codified coverture into Canadian law in many areas.
Some wedding traditions are leftover legacies from these societal realities. For instance, you may remember that the bride’s family used to pay for the wedding. Vogue’s Priya Rao reveals that this stems from old dowry customs in which the bride’s family provided physical wealth before a marriage could take place. The Spruce’s Nina Callaway adds that the practice of fathers giving away their daughters during wedding ceremonies is also tied to dowries. This act was a sign that the father was pleased with the marriage negotiations and gave his blessing.
As Societies Change, So Do Weddings
Money Versed writer Liz Collins offers a basic breakdown on wedding traditions that are slowly being abandoned. Unsurprisingly, she listed customs that were once commonplace even in the 20th century:
The bride’s family paying for the wedding
Grooms not seeing their brides before the ceremony
Gendered wedding showers
Bouquet and garter tosses
Wedding Wire’s Alice Prendergast discusses more ways in which Canadian nuptials have changed. For instance, more couples are living together before marriage and fewer choose religious ceremonies. At the same time, a few recent trends are slowly becoming traditions. For instance, the Emily Post Institute details that high-tech weddings are the norm. That’s not a surprise to anyone getting hitched in 2019 or 2020, but what’s interesting is how this resulted from the development of some key innovations over the last few decades. Wedding websites began appearing in the late 1990s, but Pinterest and Instagram were both launched in 2010. Technological developments in photography, music playback, and even e-commerce have roots back in the 1990s or earlier.
Not All Traditions Have Disappeared
While many customs change, others remain the same. In her Wedding Wire piece, Prendergast discloses a few traditional practices that are solidly here to stay. The white wedding dress continues to be a staple, although it’s being reinvented with new details and silhouettes. The first dance is a timeless classic, along with asking for parents’ blessings and popping the question. You’ll also find alcohol at nearly every reception, with everything from signature cocktails to Canadian craft beers. Honeymoons remain popular, although some busy or cash-strapped pairs opt for mini-moons or staycations.
Customized Nuptials Are the Norm
Canadian weddings can be traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. While some old practices remain, couples craft their nuptials to fit their values, purposes, and lifestyles. No matter what customs each chooses to incorporate, these celebrations are ultimately both community events and personalized reflections of both spouses’ creativity, philosophy, and outlook.
Read about these classic Canadian wedding traditions to see if there is one that might inspire you to include in your ceremony.
Weddings have become quite different in recent years. While traditions always change surrounding marriage, more couples are opting to create unique events instead of following old paths. Still, there are many who wish to include some classic rituals in their celebrations. Often, family traditions can work wonders to make your big day feel special. If you don’t have any specific customs in your family you want to include, you might want to broaden your search to the traditions of the nation. There have been some truly interesting Canadian wedding traditions that have come and gone over the years.
Whether you’re native to Canada, a transplant, or just a big fan of the place, you may find it helpful to learn more about these classic customs. These traditions might just inspire you to include one or two in your own event.
Tea Time
A nice cup of tea has a way of warming the spirit. It also can be lovely to share a pot with friends and indulge in conversation and laughter. If you agree with this sentiment, then the custom of Trousseau Tea might be great for your wedding. Customarily, this involves the mother of the bride hosting a luncheon in honor of the bride and her approaching marriage. The event is also made to include anyone who might not have been invited to the actual wedding. Coworkers, loose acquaintances, and neighbors might want to come by and wish the bride well.
The name of this tradition comes from the word trousseau, or the collection of gifts a bride receives for her upcoming marriage. Though Trousseau Tea was once a regular affair for brides and their friends, modern traditions have pushed it toward antiquity. If you’d like to breathe some new life into the tradition, you can host your own Trousseau Tea. Serve your favorite blend, offer some finger foods, and take a bit of time to have a casual gathering with a handful of people you love.
Party Train
Across Canada there have been some fun traditions that have appeared over the years. A certain French-Canadian tradition involves where everyone meets on the day of the event. According to this custom, the groomsmen are to prepare for the wedding with the groom and the bridesmaids with the bride. After getting ready, the groomsmen take the groom to the house of the bride. Both groups then split between as many cars as possible, forming a long train of vehicles that travel to the ceremony. Along the way, members of the wedding party are encouraged to shout and honk in celebration.
Now, this is a tradition that will work better for some crowds than others. If you are the type of person who loves raucous celebrations, then this is definitely a custom for you. On the other hand, you might want to have a quiet morning and make your way to your ceremony without feeling stressed or rushed. Either way, the tradition is a nice way for the closest friends and family members of the happy couple to publicly express their joy over the union.
Collecting Money
There are many wedding customs around the world involving money. Since these events are usually expensive, it makes total sense that traditions would form around showering the happy couple with cash. One Canadian tradition involves the bride dancing around the reception while holding her shoes. The idea is for the guests to approach the bride and place money in the shoes to help pay for the event and to show some good faith in the future of the marriage. Though still popular in some regions, this tradition has slowly faded away in other areas.
Traditions come and go as time marches forward. Find rituals you connect with and include whatever feels right.
During Lent, religious artifacts, such as this crucifix, will be covered for the entire duration of the fast.
One common thread between most Christian religions is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, or Easter. The weeks leading up to Easter are often used as a time of remembrance of Christ’s ministry and what he went through before his death. In Christianity, the season of Lent is the 40 days before Easter. Because the date of Easter is based on a lunar, rather than solar, calendar, the beginning of Lent changes each year. Traditionally, the first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday, which in 2017 falls on March 1.
Traditions of Lent
On Ash Wednesday, Christians attend a worship service in which the minister or priest makes the sign of a cross with ashes on the forehead of the worshipper. This symbolizes the sinfulness before God and human mortality. In the Bible, in both Hebrews and Numbers, the ashes of a red heifer would sanctify the ceremonially unclean. Ashes were thought to be purifying.
Human sorrow is represented by ashes. In the book of Esther, the Jews “lay in sackcloth and ashes” as a way of mourning the edict of the King that allowed for the destruction of the Jews. Job used dust and ashes as a symbol of repentance.
Fasting is one of the most common ways that Lent is observed. In older times, the tradition would be to have one full meal per day, with smaller meals allowed. The idea was that a person should have enough food to sustain strength, but never enough to feel full. Each community would have their own traditions, but generally, animal products were forbidden. Fish and fowl might be allowed on Fridays.
On Sundays, the fast would be suspended, but during Lent, Christians would refrain from saying “Alleluia” or the “Gloria in excelsis Deo” rite. These rituals were associated with joy. Because Lent was a time of sorrow, the words would be replaced with another phrase or simply omitted during the season.
During Lent the religious objects such as the cross, statues and pictures might be veiled for the entire 40 days. However, Anglican and Methodist churches traditionally only cover the objects on Good Friday. In more progressive churches, the liturgy of Lent might not be observed at all. Instead, the emphasis is on Easter Sunday, rather than penitence.
Fasting for Social Change
One current trend seen around Lent is that of a positive fast. People don’t just give up food or pleasure, but instead contribute to environmental stewardship. At Greenanglicans.org, people are remembering the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness by doing one thing every day to be more environmentally conscious. For example, have dinner by candlelight and then talk and play games together.
Charisma House, a Christian publisher, is suggesting a 10-day word fast from complaining, criticism, sarcasm and gossip. According to Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” The study asks you to watch what you say for just 10 days, to help you change a pattern of discouragement and negativity.
Another interesting concept is taking on atheism for Lent. For 40 days, a Christian examines literature that speaks to who God is and his or her beliefs in God. It’s a time to examine ideological structures of religion.
You do not have to honor Lent to celebrate Easter, but respect those who do. It’s a Christian tradition that means a lot to those who do partake in the season.
One of the most common wedding traditions practiced to this day is the catching of the bride’s bouquet.
The idea of getting married is nothing new. In fact, weddings are some of the oldest ceremonies to have been documented across all civilizations. There are a lot of traditions that have persisted through the years even if the mentality behind a wedding has changed. In Canada, for example, there are plenty of unique ways of going about the process of marrying your partner.
Common Wedding Traditions
Planning for a wedding requires time and research. Here are a few wedding practices that appear often in Canadian rituals in the current day and age, as well as in other cultures across the world.
Catch the Bouquet
One common tradition found in many weddings is the tossing of the bouquet. Traditionally, this is an act by the bride, who tosses the flowers backwards over her shoulder toward a crowd of single friends and relatives. It is customary for this part of the ceremony to only include women, but shifting attitudes have shown that single men can also get in on the fun if the married couple so wishes. The history behind this act is a bit more interesting than might be first believed.
In older cultures, it was common for single women to tear away a piece of the bride’s dress. This was meant as a gesture of good luck for the women holding the strip of garment. As wedding dresses became more expensive, brides found that it was a bit much to have their families and friends tearing away at their beautiful gowns. The bouquet toss was a custom introduced to ward away women who wanted a piece of luck and provide them with a competitive chance for their wishes.
Eternal Love
Some traditions are so ingrained in the cultural sphere that it’s hard to imagine another way of going about the process. Rings, for example, are the cornerstone of an engagement and subsequent wedding. There have been many different approaches to the exchanging of rings over the years. Essentially, experts have traced the tradition of the ring back to Egypt in its earliest days of civilization.
The Egyptians would trade rings as a sign of eternal love and commitment. Eventually, due to the conquests of the Greeks and Romans, the tradition was adopted. As civilization expanded through Europe, the custom became more widespread until it reached the height that it exists at now. The custom of wearing a wedding ring on a specific finger can also be traced back to the Egyptians. They believed that the third finger on the left hand was the one most closely connected to the human heart.
White Wedding
A common practice in the modern age is for a woman to wear white on her wedding day. This is actually not as old of a tradition as many might believe. In Western culture, the custom of wearing white began as a way of symbolizing the purity of the bride. This started during the Victorian Era in England and has persisted to the modern day in many countries. What’s more fascinating is that brides across the world wore a multitude of colors on their wedding day before this practice began.
White was a rare color to be seen during a ceremony in earlier traditions. It has lively and vibrant colors being more closely associated with the passion and beauty of shared love. Though it seems that most brides wear white in the current age, the trend is being pushed against. More women are wearing dresses that match their personal tastes rather than taking part in a tradition that holds no meaning for them.
As you plan your wedding, consider the meaning behind current customs. You may want to break from tradition or go with the flow – the choice is yours.
There are all kinds of traditions that continue through the world. Many have similarities while others can be vastly different.
If you’re trying to plan a unique ceremony for your special day, check out some of these special wedding traditions from around the world.
Wedding Traditions from other Cultures
Congo – Brides and grooms aren’t allowed to smile on their wedding day. When they do, it shows that they aren’t serious about the marriage.
China – The bride travels to the groom’s home in a decorated sedan chair. Attendants take care of the bride on the journey by holding parasols to shield her from the elements. They throw rice at the chair as a sign of prosperity and health. Female bridesmaids put the groom through a series of tests for him to prove his worthiness of the bride. He must give them envelopes of money before they’ll allow him to have their friend.
Fiji – The potential bridegroom must present his father with a whale’s tooth when he asks for her hand in marriage.
Jamaica – The bride is paraded through the streets. If the villagers go home, it means she didn’t look her best. She must go home and spruce herself up for another go.
Some Other Cultures Practices
Guatemala – The groom’s parents host the reception party. The groom’s mother breaks a ceramic bell filled with grains to give the couple prosperity.
Germany – The guests break porcelain dishes in front of the new home. The bride and groom are to clean these dishes up together as a demonstration of working together to overcome anything.
Scotland – Gretna Green is the place to elope. In medieval times, Gretna Green would marry young couples who did not always have parental permission.
Kenya – The bride’s father spits on her as she leaves the reception. It’s thought to preempt fate by not seeming too supportive of the couple.
Greece – The best man (or groom’s best friend) shaves the groom before the wedding. The new mother-in-law feeds him honey and almonds.
Japan – A Shinto bride wears white from head to toe. The head covering is thought to hide the horns of jealousy toward her new mother-in-law. The white symbolizes her maidenhood.
Norway – The traditional cake is called kransekake. It’s a tower of almond cake rings stacked on top of each other. The center is often filled with a wine bottle. The bride may wear a gold and silver crown with small trinkets as part of her wedding finery. As she moves, the trinkets jingle, which scares off the evil spirits.
Russia – Couples partake of a sweetbread called karavaya which is decorated with grains of wheat for fertility. Whoever takes the largest bite without using their hands is thought to be the head of the family.
As you go through this list, you might notice that many of the wedding traditions are similar to customs we have here. It just shows that we’re more alike than we think.
