One of my blogging goals for 2012 is to post more about international weddings. While researching different cultures, I've found that a lot of their traditions originated in some very old superstitions. Since today is Friday the 13th- the most superstitious day in America- I've pulled together a list of my favorite international wedding superstitions. Enjoy!
#1. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye (source).
#2. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore (source).
#3. If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never landing a husband (source).
#4. The bride is said to be doomed if she wears her complete wedding outfit before the big day (source).
#5. Pre-colonial Filipino superstitions warn that the groom and the bride should avoid traveling before the nuptial to prevent accidents from happening (source).
#6. In Russian villages they still believe that only sorcerers and ill-wishers “cut the path” of the newlyweds to harm them. No one should cross the path in front of the bride and bridegroom neither on their way to ZAGS (Registry Office) and/or church and back (source).
#7. When a London chimney sweep saved King George II's life 200 years ago, the King declared that all chimney sweeps bring good fortune and should be treated with respect. It's now considered good luck to see a chimney sweep on your wedding day, and many hire out their services to come to the ceremony and kiss the bride (source). #8. It is bad luck for a bride to see a nun or a monk on the wedding day because they represent chastity and poverty (source).
#9. To make sure their love keeps burning throughout their union, Finnish brides head to the altar carrying an appropriate symbol: a match (source).
#10. In ancient times the bridesmaids dressed in identical clothing while the bride wore a different dress and a veil. This was done in the hope of confusing the evil spirits that may be descending on the bride (source).
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