You may think you know all there is to know about wedding rituals, but chances are you haven’t heard of the unique and meaningful ceremonies from around the world. From the Tibetan Sky Burial to the Nigerian Jumping the Broom, there are a variety of customs that you may not have heard of before that will add a special touch to your big day. Let’s explore five of the most unique wedding rituals from around the world.

Tibetan Sky Burial

One unique wedding ritual you may not have heard of is the Tibetan Sky Burial. This ceremony is a symbolic gesture of the deceased passing from this life into the next. The body is cut into pieces and placed on a mountaintop, where it is then consumed by vultures. This ritual is part of Tibetan funeral customs, and is viewed as a way of honoring the dead. It is seen as a way of releasing the body and soul from the burden of earthly life, allowing the spirit to be reborn. Sky Burial is a beautiful way to commemorate the life of a loved one.

Filipino Cord of Three Strands

You might be familiar with the traditional wedding vow, but have you heard of the Filipino Cord of Three Strands ceremony? A unique and meaningful ritual, it symbolizes the couple’s connection to each other and to God. It’s a representation of:

  • Cultural Significance
  • Oneness
  • Gender Roles
  • Unity. This ceremony celebrates the couple’s commitment to one another and their shared life journey. It’s an intimate reminder of the spiritual, emotional, and physical support they can lean on throughout their marriage.

Indian Seven Steps

Take part in the Indian Seven Steps ceremony to celebrate your union with your partner. Starting with the groom, he will be adorned with a sehra (head ornament) and a turban or scarf. Then, the bride will be adorned with a mangalsutra (black and gold necklace) and sindoor (vermilion powder). As the couple walk around the sacred fire seven times, they will exchange garlands. This is a symbol of their commitment and acceptance of each other. Finally, the groom will tie a thread around the bride’s neck, signifying their eternal bond.

Nigerian Jumping the Broom

Continuing on, another unique wedding ritual is the Nigerian Jumping the Broom. This ritual symbolizes the joining of the Groom’s Family and the Bride’s Family. During the wedding ceremony, the couple jumps over a broom which has been decorated with colorful ribbons and beads. Additionally, the broom is held by the couple’s parents or elders to ensure the union is blessed. The couple then proceeds to jump the broom three times, signifying entering into a new life together. This is an ancient ritual signifying the couple’s commitment to one another and the union of families.

Chinese Tea Ceremony

Another ritual that is a part of many Chinese weddings is the Tea Ceremony, which is a way for the newlyweds to honor their families. This traditional custom is filled with cultural significance and requires the couple to make tea for their elders in order to express gratitude. In return, the elders offer blessings and gifts to the couple. This meaningful ritual is a beautiful representation of the union of two families and the start of a new chapter in the couple’s lives.