Sunday, September 25, 2011

Unique Asian Wedding Traditions Revealed





Unique Asian Wedding Traditions Revealed

Traditions are parts of culture and there they stay to follow especially in Asia where traditions vary from each country. We live in a modern world but still ancient beliefs are put to test because it is symbolic in the plainest sense of the word. Weddings are events where everything to do for a happy life is measured by following what the sages say discovering the simple rituals to save the day, so to speak. The modern thinkers dismiss the idea but when they are prepared to tie the knot they think otherwise. No harm in trying as the saying goes.

If you try to examine the word wedding, wed is a Greek word that means pledge and that strong word defines how they go on living together as husband and wife. Wedding rituals connote to a pledge made by the couple and there they start a brand new life.

In Japan, the bride wears a purple gown signifying the color of love and if you examine the dress it is an elaborately-embroidered Kimono silk covered with purple iris-flowers. For Japanese, love is sacred. It is unending. It is forever.

In China, the bride wears a bright red gown symbolizing luck. It is elaborately adorned with golden phoenixes, chrysanthemums and peonies believing to bring wealth and good fortune. The groom, on the hand wears a traditional black silk coat over a robe embroidered with dragon. But before the grand day, a whole roast pig is offered as an engagement gift. And fireworks are famous from Chinese weddings to scare off evil spirits for better lives.

In Indonesia, reception festivities only begin when the couple greeted the whole guests in line. They receive their guests until the very last one. This is still followed by some Asians but today it is not necessary so. The bride and groom are brought to a room waiting for everybody to arrive ready for the grand entrance.

In Korea, before tying the knot, they are brought to a Kung-Hap, a fortune teller to look into the couple's future. This is a must for Koreans but those exposed to modern world think otherwise.

Filipino tradition of throwing a spear in the front steps of the intended bride is no longer used, instead a golden ring is offered for their engagement. In some remote places of the Philippines the groom to be has to do household errands before the parents approve of him. It might take sometime but at the end approval is given.

In India, the parents of the bride wash the couple's feet with milk and water to purify their souls. This is symbolic and up to now Indians practice the ritual. During the ceremony both holds grains of rice and oats and green leaves symbolizing wealth, good health and happiness.

These are documented rituals common to most Asians but being in the modern world directs thinking to a practical point of view but still, traditions stay.

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