Customary Traditions For Brides-to-be In Asia

Asia is a land rich in literally thousands of cultures, all of which have their own traditions-especially when it comes to weddings. Each country, from Indonesia to Japan, Thailand to Korea all have customs and traditions each unique ad their own. Asias land mass is surrounded by oceans and mountains, making it breathtakingly beautiful, no matter where you are. Asian marriage traditions are also as unique as the landscape. They dont simply connect the bride to the groom, but family to family. Wedding traditions in Asia are as varied as the many cultures and countries that make up the continent.

Lets look at 5 customary traditions for brides-to-be in Asia.
1. In Japan, many brides wear kimonos embroidered with purple flowers because purple represents love. Most ceremonies are in the Shinto religion where the natural spirits are asked to bless the couples union. In traditional Buddhist ceremonies, a beaded string is braided together which symbolizes the two families becoming one.

2. In countries like India that have a Hindu culture, its bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding and couples go to great lengths to avoid each other for days leading up to the ceremony. During the marriage service itself, its tradition for the brides parents to wash the feet of the bride and groom in milk and water. This is a symbolic act of purification to prepare the newlyweds for their life together. The couple will also hold items in their hands while the ceremony goes on grains of rice, oats, and leaves, which stand for wealth, health, and happiness.

3. Gowns worn by Chinese brides are not white. Chinese believe that white symbolizes death. So, brides in this Asian country wear vivid red which is thought to bring luck to the newlywed. In addition to the bride wearing red, she will also typically have designs in her gown depicting phoenixes and flowers to symbolize wealth and fortune. The Chinese groom will don a black silk coat over an embroidered robe with a dragon on it. Firecrackers are set off during the wedding to ward off any evil spirits. Afterwards, expect a feast of roasted pig, a gift from the grooms family.

4. Back in the days in the Philippines, an intended groom would throw a large spear onto the front of the brides house to show that she belonged to him. Today, the Filipinos stick to the more western tradition of a gold engagement ring. Although most Filipinos are of the Catholic religion now, some still follow traditions of old where the wedding lasts three day, with the couple declaring their love for each other each day and then finally being bound together with a chord to symbolize the final rite of marriage.

5. In Korea, they go all out on the wedding festivities. Oftentimes, a palm reader or fortune teller will be hired to gaze into the couples future before they actually take their vows in order to see if they will live happily ever after. Because Korean weddings are so expensive and extravagant, they really want to make sure its forever before signing the check for the party.

As you can see, wedding traditions and customs in Asia are as varied as the countries themselves. Above everything else, all cultures seem to stress the importance of family, and they bless the couple, their new union, and their new life togethertwo hearts joining as one. And isnt that what its all about?