A wedding is filled with tons of wedding traditions that are so standard, it doesn’t feel quite like a wedding without them! From the bride wearing a white dress, to exchanging wedding vows in front of your family and friends, wedding traditions make the day so special and cherished. Wait until see read about “the cake dance.”
5 Wedding Traditions You’ve Never Heard Of
Today, it’s common for couples getting married to want to do something unique, for example, Christine on Selling Sunset wore a black wedding dress. A unique element we’re seeing more often is when couples incorporate traditional wedding rituals that represent their culture or heritage.
Many of these wedding rituals haven’t been as prevalent either outside the couple’s community or their popularity has simply diminished in past years. But one of these might be the perfect addition to learn about for your big day. Here are 5 wedding traditions that you’ve probably never heard of (unless it is from your own heritage)!
Tinikling Dance
You’ve seen the Twist, Cupid Shuffle, and the Wobble, but what about traditional dances at a wedding? The Tinikling is the Philippine’s national dance which you’ll easily recognize if you see large sticks on the dance floor. The dance is meant to imitate the movement of a bird hopping between tree branches and is performed at special events or weddings to express the Filipino culture.
Jumping The Broom
This tradition occurs after the wedding ceremony when the couple jumps over a broom to seal the marriage deal! Jumping over a broom is a tradition in some African-American and Celtic communities and if you’ve never seen it at a wedding, you (or your parents) may have witnessed it on the TV show, “Roots” in the late 70s. The couple simply jumps over a broom together while holding hands.
There are varying theories of where the broomstick wedding originated, but some say it may have inspired the tradition of “carrying the bride over the threshold.” This is when you’ll see the groom carry his bride into their home for the first time after their wedding to avoid bad luck.
Log Cutting Ceremony
In German wedding tradition, the couple has to go through the log cutting ceremony. This tradition is supposed to represent the couple’s first obstacle together. By sawing through the log, the couple shows that they can get through any hard problem that life throws at them. Traditionally, it’s just supposed to be the wedded couple cutting the log. We’ve found that some families come in and move the process along. It’s symbolic in its own way because it can remind the couple that even though they have each other, they can always look to their family member for support with any obstacles they face.
Yugal
Another wedding tradition from the Filipino culture involves a cord. The cord is called the “yugal” which is draped around the couple in a figure eight. This represents the infinite bond that is created by the couple through the wedding ceremony. Who puts the cord on the couple, or even makes the cord, holds significance to both of them. One thing is certain, the bond can never be broken once placed upon the couple!
The Cake Dance
Here we come to the Canouan Cake Dance. A traditional wedding tradition that originates from the island of Canouan in the Grenadines, a chain of islands in the Caribbean. This unique dance is an integral part of the local culture and is performed to celebrate the joyous occasion of a wedding.
The Canouan Cake Dance is a lively and energetic dance performed by the wedding guests during the reception. It involves a group of people forming a circle, with the bride and groom positioned in the center. The dance is accompanied by vibrant Caribbean music, typically featuring drums, guitars, and other traditional instruments.
The highlight of the Canouan Cake Dance is the presence of a beautifully decorated wedding cake placed on a table in the middle of the dance floor. The cake itself is a grand centerpiece, adorned with intricate designs, flowers, and sometimes even figurines representing the couple. The cake holds immense significance as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and sweetness in the couple’s married life.
As the music starts playing, the guests begin to dance around the cake in a rhythmic and coordinated manner. They move in a circular motion, swaying, clapping, and stepping to the beat of the music. The dance is often accompanied by joyful singing, laughter, and cheering, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.
During the Canouan Cake Dance, the guests take turns approaching the cake to make a monetary contribution. This tradition is known as “caking the bride and groom.” As each guest approaches, they place money on the cake or tuck it into the cake’s layers. This act symbolizes their well wishes, blessings, and support for the newly married couple.
The Canouan Cake Dance is not only a festive celebration but also a social event that brings together family, friends, and the entire community to honor and support the couple. It is a joyful and interactive experience that encourages everyone to participate, creating lasting memories for the newlyweds and their guests.
The Canouan Cake Dance is a cherished tradition that adds a vibrant and lively touch to wedding festivities on the island of Canouan. It is a beautiful expression of love, unity, and community, and it continues to be passed down through generations as an integral part of local wedding ceremonies.
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