1. What is the color of a traditional bridal gown in China? How do Chinese couples traditionally select their wedding date?
2. What does a traditional Swedish bride have in her right shoe? In her left shoe?
3. According to Italian folklore, what day is the best day for marriage? What 2 days are bad luck?
4. What grain is traditionally thrown at the newly married couple in the USA? What does it represent?
5. According to tradition, a bride should wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and what? What does each represent?
6. Why was the groom traditionally not able to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding ceremony? What additional rule about not being seen in her gown must brides in Ireland keep?
7. What particularly annoying custom must the tired bride and groom put up with at the end of the day in China? What must the wedding couple in the USA put up with as they drive away from the reception?
LUCKY 7 BONUS
At a traditional Indian wedding, the new couple takes 7 steps around a fire while the priest chants. Can you guess what any of these steps represent? They have to do with the success and happiness of their life together as man and wife.
ANSWERS:
1. The traditional wedding gown in China is red. The couple consults a fortune teller to help choose the date of their wedding.
2. A gold coin in her right shoe from her father, and a silver coin in her left shoe from her mother. So that she would never have to do without.
3. Sunday is the best day for marriage. Tuesday and Friday are bad luck.
4. Rice is thrown traditionally. It symbolizes fertility.
5. Something blue. Something old represents continuity, something new represents optimism for the future, something borrowed represents borrowed happiness, and something blue represents purity, love, and fidelity.
6. So he wouldn't change his mind about marrying her. In Ireland, the bride cannot see herself in the mirror after she is ready for the ceremony. If she does, it is believed part of her will stay with her old life and not move on. If either of these things occur, the wedding is supposed to be put off for a year.
7. In China, friends and family follow the couple to their bedroom and taunt and tease them, staying as long as possible until the couple finally throws them all out. In the USA, you can expect to have your car decorated with cans, window paint, shaving cream, old shoes, and signs.
LUCKY 7 BONUS:
The first step is taken so the couple may be blessed with an abundance of food, earn a living for their household, and avoid those things that may harm them.
The second step is taken by the couple to build them mentally and spiritually, and to lead a healthy lifestyle together.
The third step is taken to so that they may be blessed with prosperity, and increase their wealth honestly.
The fourth step is taken by the couple to acquire knowledge, harmony, and eternal happiness.
The fifth step is taken by the couple to be blessed with children.
The sixth step is taken for self-control and longevity.
The seventh step is taken to be loyal and the best of friends.
Did you guess any of them?
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