Unique Wedding Traditions Around the World

In Indian weddings, a Mehndi ceremony features the application of henna designs on the bride's hands and feet. Symbolizing love and unity, these intricate patterns are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple.

Among the Maasai of Kenya, the father spits on the bride's head and breasts before she leaves with her husband. This unusual blessing is thought to bring good fortune and prevent bad luck from following her into her new life.

German couples partake in 'Polterabend', where guests smash porcelain to ward off evil spirits. The couple then cleans up the mess together, symbolizing their ability to work as a team and face future challenges.

Scottish brides and grooms are subjected to the 'blackening' ritual, involving being covered in various substances like soot, feathers, and flour. This tradition is meant to prepare the couple for marital hardships and embarrassments.

In Norway, brides traditionally wear a silver and gold crown that has small charms dangling all around it. When she moves, the charms make a tinkling sound to ward off evil spirits from the bride on her wedding day.

The Filipino wedding includes a 'coin ceremony', where the groom hands the bride 13 coins, or 'arras'. These coins symbolize the groom's dedication to his wife's well-being and his promise to provide for their future.

The French 'La Soupe' involves serving the newlyweds a concoction of leftover food and drinks in a toilet bowl. Meant to provide energy before the night ends, friends may even 'force-feed' this mixture to the couple if necessary.

Henna not only decorates but also has antimicrobial properties. Ancient texts reveal its use in treating wounds and skin infections due to its natural healing compounds.