10 of the world's most bizarre wedding traditions

With wedding season fast approaching, here's a look at some of the most unique wedding traditions around the world

Although weddings are a universal celebration which every couple looks forward to, there are some for whom it can be a horrifying experience. With wedding season fast approaching, here's a look at some of the most unique wedding traditions from around the world.

1. Pre-planned crying: China

PHOTO: CULTURAL CHINA

Brides of the Tujia people in China as well as the rest of the women in the family are made to cry for one hour every day, a month prior to the wedding.

2. Breaking dishes: Greece

PHOTO:ALICE HARTLEY

In the Greek tradition, guests and family members break dishes for good luck.

3. Spit on the bride: Kenya

PHOTO: SCUTTLEBUTT

In a particular Kenyan tribe, the father of the bride blesses his daughter by spitting on her head and breasts.

4. Marrying a tree: India

PHOTO: Associated Press

In parts of India, some women are assumed to be cursed and would cause their husbands to die an early death. To break the curse they must first be married to a tree which will then be cut down.

5. Blackening the bride: Scotland

PHOTO: HAIKU DECK

Curdled milk, dead fish, spoiled food, tar, sauces, mud, flour and every other nasty thing you can think of is thrown at the bride in Scotland due to the belief that she will be able to handle everything in life.

6. No-shoe groom? Pakistan

PHOTO: THEBIGFATINDIANWEDDING

Girls from the bride's side take off the groom's shoes and do not let him leave with the bride until a ransom is paid.

7. Paint the bride: Bulgaria

PHOTO: AFP

In a remote town in Bulgaria, the bride's face is painted white and decorated with colorful sequins by her female in-laws.

8.  The fat bride: Mauritania


PHOTO: GERAINT ROWLAND

In Mauritania, being ‘fat’ is a sign of well-being and wealth. Girls are sent to 'fattening farms' from the age of 5 in preparation for their wedding day.

9. Grooms play dress-up: Papua New Guinea 

PHOTO: MARK ROBINSON

Tribesmen of Papua New Guinea paint their bodies and wear colourful feathered costumes in attempts to impress the bride.

10. Log cutting: Germany

PHOTO: FLICKR

In Germany, newlyweds are made to put their bond to test by working together to saw a log in half in front of all their guests. It is done to showcase the bride and groom’s ability to work together.