Ladies' choice at Gerewol Festival
In an annual courtship event, the men of the Wodaabe Fula in Niger dress up in elaborate costumes, put on make-up and dance and sing in a bid to win a bride. What makes this custom unique is that at the end of the performance it’s the women who get to do the choosing.
Russia puts the romance back into Valentine's Day
On 8 March Russians celebrate Women’s Day. In a custom similar to Valentine’s Day, women are presented with gifts of flowers and chocolate, as well as the chance to put their feet up whilst the men take care of the daily chores.
The bride doll
This simple and sweet Puerto Rican tradition sees a bride doll draped in charms and placed at the head of the top table of the wedding reception. Towards the end of the celebrations, the charms are handed out to the guests as tokens of love and thanks.
White Day in Japan
On Valentine’s Day in Japan it’s the women who buy chocolates for the men. But never fear, ladies: one month later it’s White Day, when the chaps have to splash out for the girls if their feelings are mutual. Oh, and did we mention they are expected to spend twice as much?
Love spoons in Wales
This adorable Welsh tradition gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘spooning’. The beau presents his lover with a meticulously carved wooden spoon as a gesture that he will always feed and provide for her. If the affections are not mutual, the spoon is returned (awkward), but if the spooning is successful, the sweetheart must wear it around her neck for a number of days.
Ghadames Date Festival
As the date harvest comes to an end in Ghadames, Libya, locals flock to the World Heritage-listed old quarter to relish in their fruitful harvest. As the festivities progress, expect to see many wedding ceremonies held as a coming-of-age celebration for young men.
Bachelor and Spinster Balls in Australia's Outback
A cherished Aussie tradition, B and S Balls offer a rare opportunity for youngsters from the bush to socialise – that would be the censored version. Notorious for binge drinking, dangerous stunts and casual ***, these parties are under pressure from insurance companies to close down. But beneath the dust and debauchery, the Balls are loaded with that quintessential Aussie joie de vivre and are seen as a rite of passage for kids in the Outback who often lead quite secluded lives.
My big 'rich' Greek wedding
Known for their ebullient spirit, Greek weddings are definitely on our radar. A particularly wonderful tradition is the couple’s first dance, when guests pin money to the bride’s and groom’s clothing leaving them twirling about the floor entwined in decorative (not to mention, expensive) paper streams. Believe it or not, this custom is actually considered an honour for the guests.
Henna tattoos
A key feature in Arabic and African communities is the Swahili women’s custom to adorn themselves with intricate henna patterns before a wedding. They signify the bride’s beauty, womanhood and worth, so she, naturally, boasts the most elaborate designs – except for the mother of the bride, perhaps. Aside from their aesthetic delights, these tattoos represent an empowering, sensual quality in Swahili culture, as the design often conceals the groom’s initials in a secret spot on the bride’s body.
Separation before ceremony?
Divorce is a fairly common occurrence these days – still, it should be the furthest thing from your mind on your wedding day, right? Apparently not in the Ukraine, where extremely traditional couples take revenge on their matchmaker in anticipation of a potential messy divorce in the future.
TV dating in India
India is a country where marriage is revered, so advertising prospective suitors and singles in local papers and online is commonplace, but a new Hindi-language channel is taking it one step further. Shagun TV channel features a glitzy new show which is basically teleshopping for singles. If you’ve ever felt like your match.com profile just wasn’t doing you justice, could this be the thing for you?
Bigger is better
You can forget trying to lose those last few pounds before your big day – in Mauritania, bigger is better. A larger wife signifies wealth that a man can provide in excess for his family. Unfortunately, this isn’t as jolly as it sounds: with many Mauritanian women being force-fed or suffering from long-term health issues caused by obesity, the custom has come under much public scrutiny which resulted in government taking action to protect young women and children.
Mt Hagen sing-sings
Deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea you’ll find this amazing display of colour, cacophony and courtship. The tribesmen paint their bodies and don colourful feathered costumes in an attempt to impress potential lovers. The sing-sings are a kind of spiritual mimesis – the tribesmen take on the form and mating rituals of the male birds-of-paradise in a kaleidoscopic show of affection.
Tree's the one for me
Some unlucky girls in India are born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house. What’s so wrong with that, you ask? Basically, it means they are cursed. Those unfortunate few, known as Mangliks, are said to bring an early death to their husband. The only remedy, it would seem, is to have the Manglik marry a tree and then have the tree cut down to break the curse.
France's toilet tradition
In a weird, wonderful, yet utterly gross fashion, French newlyweds were made to drink the leftovers from their wedding party out of a toilet bowl. Yuk! Thankfully, this custom no longer exists in its entirety, but don’t be surprised if you come across the bride and groom supping on chocolates and champagne served out of a replica toilet bowl. How romantic.
Beating the groom's feet
In Korea it’s commonplace for the groom to have his feet whipped with fish and canes the night before his wedding. Supposedly, this bizarre act of cruelty proves the groom’s strength and character.
Eloping in Scotland
When the Marriage Act of 1754 made it illegal for persons under 21 to get hitched, young English sweethearts came up with a cunning plan to simply hop across the border to Scotland where the law didn’t apply. As the first village en route, Gretna Green grew into the favourite spot for eloping couples – to this day, some 5000 couples visit each year to tie the knot or reaffirm their vows.
Jumping the broom
A custom from the American Deep South, ‘jumping the broom’ means the newlyweds leap hand-in-hand over a ceremonial broom, which symbolises the start of their journey into domesticity and a new life together. Born in the time of slavery, when the wedding vows and ceremonies of African Americans were not recognised, this humble tradition pays homage to a rich and important African American heritage.
Salty bread to inspire romantic dreams
In a celebration of the feast of St Sargis, the patron saint of young love, unmarried Armenian women eat a slice of salty bread in the hopes of having a prophetic dream about the man they’ll marry. Not to be taken too seriously, the idea is that the man who brings you water in your dream is your future beau. It’s also a kind of bonding ritual for the women in the family to share and interpret each other’s dreams.
Grabbing a mate
Brought to light by the gaudy UK TV phenomenon My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, this controversial custom sees young male travellers picking off members of the opposite *** and attempting to force a kiss out of them by somewhat violent means