Where is it customary to steal the groom? Why is it forbidden to smile at a wedding in Congo? How many witnesses can there be at a celebration in Brazil? "My Planet" is about the most unusual wedding traditions.
Japan: change of outfits
Japanese brides have to puzzle over not one, but at least three outfits. Moreover, with each change of kimono, the hairstyle and makeup change. The tradition dates back to the 14th century and means being prepared for a varied daily life.
First, the bride dresses in a long white kimono, symbolizing the girl's purity and innocence. All accessories must also be white. And the hair is covered with a tsonokakusi headdress, which means to hide the horns. For jealousy is a vice that should not be put on display.
At the banquet, the bride wears a colored kimono, which symbolizes that the young wife will decorate her new family. Even black "spots" are allowed on clothes - albeit in combination with other colors. And for the final part of the holiday, the girl changes into a more European outfit with a veil. At the same time, the groom often changes clothes, also in a simpler European costume. This is done mainly for convenience.
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USA: wedding llamas
Llamas and alpacas help to raise money for veterinary services at the American therapeutic center in Oregon, which treats animals. They "earn money" at weddings, posing in the costumes of the bride and groom.
Everyone can order two animals. The cost of the service ranges from $ 200 to $ 300 and depends on the distance the lamas have to travel to get to the ceremony and the time they will have to "work". The range of services is standard: photographing with guests, attendance at the official ceremony and dinner. You should not be afraid that the animals will be scared by the camera and spoil the pictures. Lamas behave like "true professionals". They began to "work" at the celebrations back in 2011. But the service is still only available to residents of Oregon, Portland and Washington.
India: groom theft
If the movie "Prisoner of the Caucasus" was shot in the Indian state of Bihar, instead of stealing the bride, the audience would see the groom being pushed into the bag. The girls here do not have to puzzle over how to please the young man, and her parents - how to save money on the celebration. Even today, the girl's parents often simply steal the bachelor they like and arrange a secret marriage ceremony. Of course, no one is interested in the opinion of the groom.
Kenya: the spit upon bride
Despite the fact that in tribal Kenya, each community has its own rituals, it is customary to spit in most of them: on a newborn, a passer-by, a gift, a new home. Spit is a talisman and a sign of deep respect. And in the Masai tribe, not a single marriage ceremony can do without one. The bride's head is shaved, and the relatives practically sprinkle her with saliva, thus blessing the girl for a happy family life. After that, the bride leaves the village without turning around, otherwise, according to legends, she will turn to stone.