Weddings are a celebration of love and commitment that are steeped in cultural traditions and customs. Every culture has its own unique way of celebrating this momentous occasion, each with its own set of rituals. Here are some of the multicultural wedding celebrations seen at weddings in Australia.
Indian Weddings
Vibrant colours are a big feature of Indian weddings, alongside intricate decorations, and elaborate rituals that can span several days. These weddings often involve a series of pre-wedding ceremonies, including the henna ceremony, mehndi ceremony, and sangeet. On the wedding day, the bride and groom exchange floral garlands and take part in a series of rituals, including the tying of the sacred thread and the exchange of vows.
Chinese Weddings
Chinese weddings are steeped in ancient customs and traditions, many of which have been passed down for centuries. These weddings often involve a series of pre-wedding ceremonies, including the proposal ceremony and the engagement ceremony. On the wedding day, the bride and groom wear traditional attire, with many wearing red to symbolises good luck and fortune. Also a tea ceremony is often part of the wedding, where the bride and groom serve tea to their elders as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Jewish Weddings
Jewish weddings are steeped in religious traditions that date back thousands of years. These weddings often involve a series of pre-wedding rituals, including the ketubah signing and the mikvah ceremony. The wedding ceremony takes place under a chuppah, a canopy that symbolizes the couple’s new home. Also the ceremony includes the breaking of the glass, a tradition that symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Mexican Weddings
Mexican weddings are known for their vibrant colours, festive atmosphere, and lively music. These weddings often involve a series of pre-wedding rituals. For example, the arras ceremony and the lazo ceremony are usually featured. Generally the wedding ceremony takes place in a Catholic church, and the bride and groom exchange wedding rings and the arras, thirteen gold coins that symbolise the couple’s commitment to each other.
African Weddings
African weddings are steeped in cultural traditions that vary from country to country. These weddings often involve a series of pre-wedding rituals, including the lobola ceremony, where the groom’s family pays a bride price to the bride’s family. Equally important are a series of rituals, including the jumping of the broom, a tradition that symbolises the couple’s commitment to each other.
Multicultural Wedding Celebrations example – The Dragon Dance
In Chinese culture, a dragon dance is a traditional performance that is believed to bring good luck and fortune. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and especially good luck. Generally it’s seen at Chinese festivals, celebrations, and weddings.
During a Chinese dragon dance at a wedding, a team of performers carry a long, colourful dragon costume through the wedding venue, weaving and swaying in a coordinated dance. The dragon is usually made of bamboo, cloth, and paper, and can be up to 100 feet long. Since the dance is accompanied by the beat of drums, cymbals, and gongs, it also creates a festive and certainly energetic atmosphere.
In addition, the dragon dance at a Chinese wedding is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the newlyweds. Furthermore it is believed that the dragon’s movements create a flow of positive energy, or “qi,” that can dispel any negative energy and bring good luck to the couple.
Therefore the dragon dance is also a symbol of unity and harmony. Because the dancers work together to create the movements of the dragon, it symbolises the importance of teamwork and cooperation in a successful marriage. In other words, the dance is also another way to celebrate the couple’s union and to wish them a long and happy life together.
Unique values and beliefs
In conclusion, weddings are a celebration of love and commitment that are steeped in cultural traditions and customs. Also these traditions reflect the values and beliefs of different cultures and have been passed down from generation to generation. Whether it’s an Indian wedding with its vibrant colours and intricate decorations or a Jewish wedding with its religious traditions, each culture has its unique way of celebrating this momentous occasion.
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Additional reading from our blog: Wow with your Wedding Vows
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About the author
Written by Stephen Lee
Owner, CeremonyCast – Professional Wedding Live Streaming
Covering Sydney, Southern Highlands, Wollongong, Central Coast, Newcastle & The Blue Mountains