Ethnic Weddings and Traditions

Ethnic Weddings:
Most ethnic wedding traditions are hundreds – possible thousands
of years old. Native American, Indian and Jewish are especially old.
In some countries, traditions are dying as the younger generation turn
to modern western practices. White wedding gowns are becoming
increasingly popular with Asian brides.

Most of the wedding traditions adopted in the West did not originate
in the West. For example:
a) A father walking his daughter down the isle is a symbol of
passing ownership of his daughter over to her new husband.
b) The receiving line allows the couple to bring good luck
to everyone they touch.
c) The wedding ring is seen as a symbol of a couple’s never-
ending commitment.

Some ethnic wedding traditions are rarely practiced in the new “modern
society” However, others are experiencing resurgence as couples
acknowledge their heritage by invoking the traditions of their ancestors.
Some couples are combining multiple ethnic wedding traditions – both the
old and the new to create a wedding uniquely their own.

Ethnic Bridal attire is a thing of beauty and pride.
African Wedding Attire:
Traditional Native African Brides wear a headpiece called a “Gele”, a
loose fitting wrap skirt called an “Iro” and a shawl called an “Iborum”
with a short loose blouse called a “Buba” all made out of matching fabrics.

The Groom wears a pair of slacks called “Sokoto”, a shirt called a “Bubba”
a long flowing pullover type jacket called an “Agbada” and a rounded
box –hat called a “Fila”. Traditions do vary according to tribe.

Hindu Wedding:
Traditional Hindu attire varies with region, however many wear saries
in red and white, colors representing fertility, wealth and purity.

The hands and feet of the bride is painted by a female member of
the family in hena, a red dye which is referred to as the “Mehendi ceremony”

Japanese Wedding Attire:
Japanese Brides often wear colorful kimonos, along with a tsuno kakushi
which is a big hood that covers the hair. It is said, the tsuno kakushi hides
the bride’s horns and show her obedience to her new husband. The bride
changes in to a new kimono following the ceremony, and the fabric from
the bride’s kimonos is often made into bedding and passed down to future
generations.

Mexican Weddings:
Authentic Mexican Brides wore mantilla veils and either a slim dress
wit a bolero jacket or a Flamenco-style dress with layers of ruffles
at the hem. Instead of carrying flowers, Mexican Brides carried brightly
colored fans. Mexican grooms wore Matador’s outfits – which consisted
of bolero jackets with form-fitting pants.