Weirdest Wedding Ritual and Tradition Around the World

Let's take a trip to Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia, to discover one of the most unique and unusual wedding rituals practiced by the Krung tribe. Although many tribes in Cambodia have their own unique wedding traditions, the Krung tribe's practices are particularly distinct. When a young woman from the Krung tribe comes of age for marriage, her father is responsible for constructing a special cabin in the heart of the jungle. This cabin is not just any ordinary structure; it is a "cabin of love" where the woman can entertain as many suitors as she wishes until she discovers the one who truly captures her heart. Multiple dating is not only permitted but is also actively encouraged in the Krung tribe, and the cabin provides the young woman with a private space to explore her romantic options and make her choice. Once the woman chooses her preferred suitor, he is obligated to accept her proposal and become her husband. However, the tradition becomes even more peculiar. According to tradition, the husband is not allowed to consummate the marriage until he has paid the bride's father a certain number of cows as a bride price. The more cows he provides, the more nights he gets to spend with his wife. If the husband is unable to pay the bride price for the cows, the couple cannot live together until he has paid the full price. Although this practice may seem bizarre to outsiders, it is an important and beautiful aspect of the Krung tribe's culture and tradition. It is fascinating to see how this tradition has survived for centuries and remains relevant to the Krung tribe today.

We will now travel to South China, but it's important to note that this cultural practice may not be suitable for those with a weak constitution. Before a wedding can take place, the couple must seek the natural world's approval. This involves a ceremony where they sacrifice a chicken, removing its liver to determine whether it is a good omen for the couple. If the liver is in good condition, the wedding preparations can proceed; otherwise, they must try again another time. While this tradition may appear unusual and brutal to some, it is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the marriage. It also demonstrates reverence for nature and seeks its blessings for the couple's union. In some regions of South China, the sacrificial chicken is cooked and served as part of the wedding feast. This tradition has existed for centuries and exemplifies the diverse and unique wedding customs that exist worldwide.

Let's take a break from exploring the fascinating customs of Asia and journey to Mauritania, a small but mighty country in Africa. The locals have a unique perspective on what constitutes a beautiful bride. While much of the world views thin and athletic bodies as the epitome of female beauty, certain parts of Mauritania hold the opposite view. Here, people believe that women who are on the heavier side symbolize fertility and abundance and are therefore more desirable as brides. If a Mauritanian bride is considered too thin by her groom or family, she is expected to gain weight before the wedding day. In fact, it's customary for brides to consume large amounts of food and drink in the weeks leading up to the wedding to ensure that they are sufficiently plump and curvy.

You may be wondering how this tradition originated. Some believe that it dates back centuries to a time when food was scarce in Mauritania and being overweight was a sign of wealth and status. Others suggest that it's rooted in the belief that a fuller figure represents good health and vitality, making a heavier bride more likely to bear healthy children. However, it's important to note that this tradition has come under criticism in recent years. Some activists argue that it promotes unhealthy eating habits and body shaming. While every culture has its customs and beliefs, it's essential to question them and strive for better.