15 Absolutely Mental Wedding Traditions You’ll Struggle To Believe

Marriage is something that most societies have in common, however different they are in other ways. Though, the actual ceremony of a wedding can vary massively, in some of the craziest ways. I already knew religious weddings had some differences, but I had no idea these traditions were practiced.

1. Scotland: Blackening the bride

What better way to celebrate the happiest day of your life than having loved ones throw all sorts of grim things over you. From curdled milk and dead fish to tar, mud and flour. Just when she thinks the fun has to stop, she’s tied to a tree, after which she’s taken for a night of drinking. It’s said if she can handle this she can handle anything in marriage, still not convinced.

2. China: Preplanned crying

It’s probably not a rare occurrence to see a few bridal tears on the big day but the brides and females of Tujia, China take it to the extreme. A month in advance, the bride cries for an hour a day (this is sounding exhausting), ten days in the Mum joins in too. If there’s anything worse than crying, isn’t it seeing your Mum cry? Well, ten days later Grandma joins in too. By the end of the month, all females in the family are crying with the bride. It’s thought to express joy as women cry in different tones.

3. India: Marrying a tree

In parts of India, women are born as Mangliks, which is when Mars and Saturn are both under the 7th house – any clearer? No, me either. Well, it’s thought to be cursed and apparently will cause their husband an early death. They weren’t going to let that stop them though, to shake the curse, the women first marry a tree and then cut it down. Sorry nature.

4. Korea: Beating the groom’s feet

Korean tradition dictates that the groom has his feet beaten with fish or a cane (not sure which of these are worse) before his first night as a married man. It’s said to be pretty painful but it’s seen as more fun than cool. But the bride is in luck because this is supposed to ensure the groom performs well on the wedding night. I’ll remember to try that one at home.

5. Inner Mongolia, China: Chick Liver Tradition

This one is a bit sad! To select the wedding date the bride and groom have to take the life of a baby chick whilst holding the knife together. When the chick’s liver appears the date is divined. It gets worse – if the chick has an unsatisfactory looking liver (do people have satisfactory looking livers?) they have to keep killing chicks until one is deemed fitting.

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