Interesting Wedding Night Rituals from Around The World

Weddings are occasions of lasting traditions and rituals. All over the world, people’s beliefs, culture and history has affected this memorable event. It is common knowledge that wedding ceremonies are different all over the world, but did you know that the diversity extends even on the wedding night? Read this to know the interesting activities that couples, families and friends do before letting the newlyweds reach a night of wedding bliss!

It is customary in an American wedding for the bride and groom to hop into a get-away car with tin cans attached to the rear of the car, off to their secret honeymoon, immediately after the wedding. Did you know that this rooted from escaping a Celtic wedding night tradition?

In Gaelic cultures, it was a tradition for friends and family of the couple to mess with the couple’s wedding night. In the olden days, when couples spend their wedding night in a barn, girl friends of the bride would dress her for bed and ask each of the male guests to kiss her good night. The friends would do other things to prevent the groom from seeing her new wife. Even if the couple finally comes together, they would disturb the union by making noise outside the barn and even peep into the couple, while drinking the night away. The couple waits for everyone to get too drunk to eventually leave them alone. This kind of prank is something that newly weds want to get away from, thus, they keep their honeymoon destination a secret and speed away after the wedding.
More Celtic wedding night ritual come from Scotland: sleeping in the barn on the first night, sprinkling water on the marriage bed for luck and staying for a week with the bride's parents before moving into the newlywed’s home.

The Germans and the French do a similar tradition of “disturbing” the wedding night, called Chiverie, known in the US as Shivaree. They make noise outside the place where the couple spends their first night together. Some even play around with the room where they will stay, like put plenty of balloons, spread food all over the bed, and hide alarm clock everywhere, just for fun.
The Romans believed that it was bad fortune when the bride stumbles when entering the newlywed’s house for the first time. Thus, after the wedding, male friends of the couple would carry her over the doorstep. At present, the groom is expected to do the job himself.

In Benin, western Africa, they value virginity. The bride’s mother rewards her with cash if she’s a virgin at their wedding night! In the morning, the sheets that the couples used are inspected for bloodstains. Some mothers even fly the flag out the window, showing off their daughter's bloodstained nightgown. Seriously!

For the Chinese, at the night of the wedding, candles designed with a phoenix and a dragon is lit to drive the evil spirit away. The newlyweds will drink wine from goblets tied together with a red ribbon, while arms intertwined. Then the bride will be given half-raw dumplings, which symbolize prosperity.

Marquesasian (from Polynesia) brides have a notable wedding night ritual: they are expected to have sex with all the male guests and then saving the groom for last. Now that can make your wedding night … extremely unforgettable!

Carribean Weddings – Elope To Paradise

Nowhere on Earth is as beautiful and breathtaking as the Carribean Islands. Without a doubt, it is a place you absolutely must see in your lifetime. So much so that if you have a wedding in your future, you should consider having a Carribean wedding and merging these two magnificent memories in to one. Carribean weddings are among the most exotic, memorable events anyone could hope for.

The sky is the limit with Carribean weddings. No matter what you want your special day to include, it is available on this island paradise. You can go with a traditional church wedding or a ceremony on the beach at sunset – whatever makes your heart skip a beat.

For a traditional ceremonial wedding, the best of both worlds is available. Imagine saying “I do” in a large cathedral church and being whisked away to your tropical getaway right next door! You can not beat that for convenience and excitement. You will also have the best photographs and videos to share your wedding memories for years to come.
Mexico Honeymoon Vacations
On the other hand, you can really embrace the culture of the islands and have a more festive wedding in the white sands of the beach. If you are adventurous at heart, you could top the ceremony off with rock climbing or skydiving. It is all available with Carribean weddings. Of course, there is a lot to be said for lying on the beach with an umbrella in your drink!

The other great thing about Carribean weddings is that the islands are so close you can almost touch them! You will not be on a plane for half a lifetime - just a few short hours and you are there, basking in the sun! Not that anyone wants a short trip to the Carribeans, but if you have to return quickly, this is the best option you have to really enjoy yourself that allows for a short trip if necessary.

However, if you have time to spare, there is plenty left to fill your days on the islands. For a really spectacular time, consider planning your Carribean wedding around a cruise. You can visit the many islands of the Carribean while you enjoy the luxury and pampering of a full-service cruise. Even more, you can combine a trip to the Carribeans with a quick stop in Mexico. Shopping and site seeing in Mexico would only add to the charm and exuberance of the trip.

Best Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with honeymoon.

Beach destinations continue to be the most popular choices for a romantic honeymoon getaway.  Honeymoons are the ultimate romantic vacation and just about any chosen destination can translate into a romantic escape for the newlyweds.  The following are just a few of the many romantic honeymoon destination ideas.

Any of the Hawaiian Islands are always an excellent honeymoon choice.  Whether you decide to do a little island hopping and visit several islands or spend your entire honeymoon on one island you are bound to enjoy an extremely romantic destination.  The pristine and uncrowded beaches and warm, sparkling blue water are just a few of the benefits of honeymooning in Hawaii.  Hawaii also has a culture all of its own and offers its guests the feeling of being in a foreign land.
Mexico Honeymoon Vacations
Although it is more expensive than most other popular locations, Bora Bora is another truly romantic honeymoon destination that is well worth the price.  It is an out of the way location that is not frequented by many tourists like some other popular honeymoon destinations.  The relative serenity of the islands creates an atmosphere that is wonderful for relaxing with your new partner.

Colorado is another romantic honeymoon destination.  Although the majestic mountain ranges and availability of cozy cabins in the woods make Colorado a romantic getaway location, it is truly famous for its abundance of winter sports.  Choosing to honeymoon in Colorado affords a couple a romantic destination that also has a variety of adventure activities available.

Las Vegas can also be a romantic honeymoon destination.  Although it is known as, “Sin City,” and is famous for its ostentatious glamour and gambling, Las Vegas can also be a romantic location for a couple enjoying their first few blissful days of marriage.  The area offers a wealth of beautifully appointed hotel rooms in a variety of styles.  This variety ensures that there is something for every couple in Las Vegas.

European locations such as England, Spain and Italy are also popular romantic honeymoon destinations.  The traditions and culture that surround these areas make them unique in offering a couple the chance to surround themselves with the allure of history.  Additionally if the couple does not speak the native language, it gives the couple a sense of being all alone even in a crowd which lends itself beautifully to the romantic atmosphere.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Mexico is another popular romantic honeymoon location.  In particular the Riviera Maya offers a couple a multitude of beautiful beaches that are relatively empty compared to the crowds found in other areas of Mexico such as Cancun.  Many of the resorts in the Riviera Maya are all inclusive and some even offer room service free of charge.

Although, it is known more for innocent fun and adventure, Florida can also be a romantic honeymoon destination.  Florida offers an assortment of entertainment options from beaches to theme parks and nightclubs.  Enjoying an afternoon of rides and attractions at a theme park is an excellent way for a couple to grow closer together.  Newlyweds are sure to find everything that they are looking for in Florida.

Costa Rica is another romantic honeymoon locale that offers couples so much more than just beautiful beaches and sparkling waters.  Costa Rica is an excellent choice for a couple who is looking for both romance and adventure on their honeymoon.  Here you can spend your days kayaking, white water rafting or scuba diving in some of the most beautiful waters around.

New York City is another romantic destination for newlyweds to spend their honeymoon.  There is so much to see and do in the city that a couple may find themselves wishing to come back for the first anniversary.  New York City offers a variety of elegant restaurants, an extensive theater district and one of the best locations in the world for people watching.

Caneel Bay in the US Virgin Islands is another beach location that is a romantic place to honeymoon.  Caneel Bay offers a gorgeous setting that is unparalleled in its beauty.  This picturesque location is the perfect place for a couple to relax in the sun and enjoy each others company.

Although beach locations are some of the most popular honeymoon location destinations there are also other popular choices for a romantic getaway.  Colorado, Las Vegas, Europe and New York City are just a few of the other popular destinations that are perfect for enjoying a romantic honeymoon that also offers a little something extra.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it?  And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on honeymoon.