We live in a very diverse world with different countries, cultures, people, traditions and rituals. For some of us certain foreign traditions might seem strange, unusual and even shocking, but always very interesting.

 

The editors of the “Muse” magazine have selected the strangest custom and tradition. Many wedding traditions of ancient times has moved to the past. For example, earlier in some European countries the guests on the wedding should wear almost the same outfit as bride and groom. It was believed that evil spirits cannot find the newlyweds in the crowd and send upon them the spell.

 

In Sweden, the girls did not get marry until they become a pregnant. Because the groom’s side need to know will she has a children or no.

However, in African countries tradition still observed and they are the most surprising, and sometimes shocking.

 

In of ethnics group in Nigeria, it called Ibos. Each groom of the tribe should pass through the ranks of the bride's relatives, who are struggling beat him with a sticks. If a young man passes the test, it means that he is ready for family life and marriage.

In Kenya the groom after the wedding day should wear women’s clothes throughout the year. It is believed that by doing that man can experience how hard it is to be a woman.

 

For instance, people of Sahara believe that the beauty of woman is in her fatness. In other words, the fatter girl is the healthier and prettier she is viewed by local men. This became the main reason for parents to fatten girls from childhood as the fatness of a girl ensures her successful marriage. 

As you can see, the wedding traditions are very different, but they are all linked for the common purpose: to provide the newlyweds a prosperous, happy life.

 

- ALUA