Today’s focus is on one of the great countries of the Middle East – Lebenon. Despite Lebanon’s diversified people, who belong to 18 different sects, the Lebanese are unified to sharing the same traditions. You can see this clearly when attending Lebanese weddings anywhere in Lebanon.

Whether simple or grand, a Lebanese wedding wouldn’t be truly Lebanese without a ‘zaffeh’ (zaffe). Zaffeh is Arabic for the act of escorting the bride to her husband, and nowadays with her husband, in celebration of their holy marriage.

A wedding in the village, though simple, is one which everybody takes part of. In many villages, celebrations go on for three consecutive days. On the third day, the groom is escorted by a group of dancers, as they play music, sing and dance on their way to the bride’s house. Joined by family members, friends and neighbors, the groom makes his way up to his bride’s house. There is when the zaffeh really takes place. As the bride and groom make their way out, women give them their blessings, not forget the ‘Ah Weeeee-ha’, and the ‘zalghouta’, a very quick joyous sound. Young boys and girls shower the newlyweds with flower petals and rice as a sign of happiness.

Modern interpretations of the Zaffeh can include the bride and groom being escorted to the wedding site accompanied by professional dances to give their guest a grand vision of their arrival

Images

I just love the jubilation incorporated into any wedding event form the very start! What a great way to greet your guest with nothing more than jubilance! Silent guest need not apply . . . this is the beginning of a super party.

I’d love to get your feedback, should weddings start off in a somber respectful manner, as they do in common Western fashion, or adopt a more rambunctious commencement?

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Japanese Lifestyle

In the picture below, the bride is wearing a ”Tsuno Kakushi” hood. This is worn to cover the brides “horns”, thus showing her obedience to her new husband. In the picture above you can also see the big “Kanzashi” ornaments in the bride’s hair.

The bride is wearing a gorgeous white “Uchikake” gown, the wedding kimono.  These are also known as the “Shiromuku”.

After the wedding, Japanese bride will change into a more colorful kimono, irouchiakake, a beautiful silk kimono with red, gold, silver, and white colors. This kimono is usually red because red is a lucky color in Japan. It is always heavily embroidered with colorful scenes from nature and often features a crane, which symbolizes a long life. Near the end of the reception, the bride changes into the furisode, a richly patterned kimono with wide sleeves. The tradition symbolizes the last time she will wear the furisode, since only young, unmarried women are allowed to wear them. For this reason, the Japanese wedding dress is often rented rather than bought.

Unless you have Japanese heritage, or just a strong passion for the culture, most of us will never dare to wear a kimono for our wedding gown. So what’s the next best thing?

Bridal fusion, of course.

Something a little more on the traditional vein:

Anna Niponica custom designs beautiful dresses out of gorgeous silk kimonos — *sigh* They are based in Japan, however, they do accept orders from overseas via Paypal.

Something with a bit More Fusion:

Feast your eyes on these beauties from Culture Bridal Couture!

My personal favorite look . . .

· Obi

The Japanese Obi is known as the sash wrapped around a woman’s abdomen to keep her stomach in and flat. It functions almost the same as the traditional corset, but is more comfortable and less stiff. It thus becomes a good alternative in creating a well-fitted form of the bride’s body during her wedding, as it acts to be a part of her overall wedding gown. The obi can look more fabulous when printed with bright red patterns that show traditional Japanese designs. Other designers meanwhile incorporate red with other colors such as gold.

· Kimono

Another common Japanese outfit is the trademark kimono. Japanese women wear this outfit in almost every special occasion in the country, especially weddings. But the kimono evolution has also conquered wedding fashion as well, mainly because of their high-waist form and long, wide sleeves. There’s also a lot of room for fabulous designs for wedding kimonos, thus you can explore the areas where you can drop touches of red in the whole dress. Some wedding kimonos are also drawn with Japan’s traditional items such as cherry blossoms and other flower petals, nature’s elements and the like. Meanwhile, you can explore more creations for your wedding kimono; as long as it maintains its beauty not just as a wedding gown but as representation of Japan’s vast culture.

So what’s your favorite?

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It’s becoming more accepted these days to bring cash instead of gifts to Western weddings, but this is a long standing tradition among the Japanese. In fact, guests are expected to bring cash, and sometimes are even given a specific amount in the wedding invitation. The gift amount is based on the relationship the guest have to the couple.

So, exactly how much to give for a Japanese Wedding Angpow? The average is 30,000 yen (US $500) for a friend’s wedding. Traditionally cash is enclosed in an Angpow envelope called Shugi-Bukuro 祝儀袋 , and your name is written on the front. The envelope is elaborately decorated with gold and silver strings twisted and tied into a decorative knot. Japanese folklore says that the knot is supposed to be impossible to open. It is also important to take note of money etiquette. It’s polite to use new bills with no creasing, and it’s considered bad luck to place two notes in the envelope. They say things that can be split in two are bad luck, so often three notes are found inside.

Worldly Weddings

At the reception, the Shugi-Bukuro is given to the person at the reception desk and you sign the guest book. Be ready, there could be another counter set-up to open your Shugi-Bukuro to check and read aloud the amount you are giving the wedding couple (this could be a good idea, just in case someone give an empty Angpow.) There have been cases recorded in the Chinese newspaper of unknown family with children “POPING-IN” to a wedding dinner and eat for “Free,” and others giving $20 for a family of 5.

After going through these Angpow checkpoints, then you will be direct to your numbered seat by the usher.

There might be more expected of the guest, but not to worry, guest are highly respected in Japan. Traditionally the Japanese bride and groom partakes in a ritual that consists of lighting a candle at every guests table which symbolically shares their warmth and light. This would be a great alternative to the formal receiving line at Western wedding, and a great way to greet and thank your guest for their presence. Additionally, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to spend $50 or more per guest on the hikidemono (parting gift). These gifts are often tableware, home decorations, and sweets. In recent year, offering your guest a choice from gift catalogs are a popular choice for the hikidemono.

Inside the catalog are a wide variety of gift options…

You got your standard meat and fish…

Neckties and too expensive ball point pens… Pocket watches…

Even Saran Wrap, Ziploc containers, and dust busters…

Japan Newbie

Yay, gifts.

Couples today getting married already have traditional registry items, and yet we still feel obligated to go through the process. Don’t let Western traditions dictate your decision to request monetary gifts from your guest . . . you’re simply adapting Eastern flavor into your festivities! But do take the time to honor the guest in true Eastern fashion, as your guests are your honored guests for the evening!

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One of the most common and well-known wedding traditions of Denmark is the Gates of Honor. These gates are made from pine branches. They are made to symbolize that it is the bride’s special day and to celebrate it. Most often it is erected in front of the bride’s parent’s home, but it could also be a free standing structure as well. The people of Denmark have been partaking of this tradition for several hundreds of years.

gate of honor

Additionally, tradition holds that on the silver anniversary of the couple, an identical structure is recreated.

A very strange concept to us here in America would be the Danish public wedding. Weddings are considered public and anyone can attend the ceremony and the reception following. But don’t worry, ladies, the entire day isn’t shared with everyone. Couples then have a party later in the evening by invitation only!

One Denmark wedding tradition that may have made its way all the way to the United States is the cutting of the wedding cake. This Danish tradition states the couple cuts the cake with both the bride and groom holding the knife. After the cake has been cut, each of the guests must eat a piece. This tradition is meant to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits.

So the next time you see couples cutting a cake make sure to thank the Danes!

One final tradition I want to touch on addresses the traditional kiss. We’ve all been to weddings, clinking glasses to get the bridal couple to kiss, and of course there is “Gor’ko“, but I think the Dane’s have nailed involuntary kissing!!

To make the couple kiss, the guests tapped their knives on their plates (ok, we’ve sort of done that). Later the guests all started drumming their feet on the floor, which means the couple has to get under the table and kiss. And since that clearly isn’t enough, the guests then started tapping their glasses with their knives, which meant the couple had to stand on their chairs and kiss!

So what do you think? I think the Dane’s have it . . . at least for the moment. I guess I will have to keep searching for other crazy kissing traditions!

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Post tags: cake cutting, Danish, Denmark, Gate of Honor, Gor'ko, kiss, Scandinavian

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I personally have a love for Meade, which is most closely related to wine in consistency, but is a brewed honey. It is a delightfully refreshing treat to standard wines or beers at your reception. One traditional meade out of Ireland is Bunratty Meade, which was served at the Bunratty Castle medieval banquet.

Bunratty Castle

It’s from a recipe based on the oldest drink in Ireland and if you’ve never tasted it, it’s well worth trying. In the old days, it was consumed at weddings because it was thought that it promoted virility. The Irish translation for honeymoon is ‘mi na meala’, or the month of honey. An old Irish custom was for the newlyweds to spend a month together drinking honey wine from special goblets and, at the end of the month, the bride was usually expecting (If a baby was born nine months after the wedding, it was attributed to the mead!). Drinking meade was also believed to protect the couple from the fairies coming to spirit the bride away.

(goblet)

Meade is actually very easy to brew yourself, and could be a fantastic favor for your guest. If you’re not the do it yourself kind of gal, or just want a skillfully crafted custom meade, check out BNektar. As a native to Michigan, I am always looking to support another Michigan based business. The owners of BNektar have a variety of meades to suit your needs, including custom flavors such as chocolate raspberry and ginger for your special affair or award winning flavors like wild berry pyment and vanilla cinnamon.

“Sláinte” (pronounced SLAWN-cha, means ‘Cheers’ or ‘To good health’).

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Post tags: BNektar, Bunratty, Bunratty Castle, Celtic, events by pam, Irish

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(Cadwyn)

The Welsh Love Spoon

The custom of carving and giving Welsh Lovespoons originated in Wales hundreds of years ago as a courting tradition. A man who wished to marry a particular girl carves various symbols, such as hearts, keys or bells, into a wood spoon, showing his intentions for engagement and marriage. Today he buys flowers, chocolates or jewelry as a token of affection. Centuries ago in Wales, the young lover would also give gifts of sweets or cakes; but they would also give a special, more personal gift to the object of their desire, the Welsh Love Spoon.

Men spent hours carving the spoon with their hands, in the hope that the girl would accept it. If the girl accepted the spoon, she would demonstrate her interest in him and they would commence on a relationship, which is the origin of the word ‘spooning’.

This was a custom that was not confined to Wales, but happened across Europe, especially in Celtic countries. Because the rural peasant people used wooden spoons to eat and prepare food, they had to carve numerous simple spoons for this purpose. It is very likely therefore the more intricate carvings developed naturally from this, and the most beautiful spoons were kept to give as gifts.

Young men had a lot of time on their hands during the long winter evenings, and while some would turn to poetry or composing songs, others would carve all kinds of things such as kitchen utensils or toys for the children from spare pieces of wood.

It is easy to imagine a young man after a hard day’s work, in a period of no radio or television or cars, spending his leisure time during dark evenings carving a spoon for the girl he loved. Spoons could also suggest food on the table, and a cozy family life, which would impress on the girl his ability to care for her and a family.

No other country in the world produced such a variety of design and carving techniques; and the young men put a great deal of time and thought into their creations. Wales was a poor society whose youth could not afford presents of expensive jewelry, and therefore they would do their utmost to create as beautiful spoons as possible.

The custom was widespread across Wales and there is no evidence to suggest that certain areas favored certain designs. It is impossible to know how many love spoons were produced; many were very delicate creations and although they would not have been used for eating or cooking they could have been easily broken. The earliest existing examples come from the 17th century, and it is possible that the shape of spoons lying together suggested the pattern of lovers lying together.

There has been much debate on the significance of the different symbols and motifs used in the carving of lovespoons. Many of the young carvers were shy and unwilling to show their emotions, and this would attempt to convey their true feelings through the use of various symbols. Over the centuries, many more symbols and motifs have been added and as the love spoons became more elaborate and decorative, they have become collectables.

(The Welsh Touch)

Many of the symbols to convey love have been used from the earliest spoons, and are familiar throughout Europe. For instance, a chain would mean a wish to be together forever, a diamond would mean wealth or good fortune, a cross would mean faith, a flower would mean affection, or a dragon for protection etc. Click here to see a list of many symbols that are frequently carved into Love Spoons.

Traditionally, the spoons were carved from one piece of wood. The most popular wood was sycamore, but we also have examples of using yew, oak, boxwood and even fruit trees such as apple or wild cherry. Wood with a close grain had to be dried because fresh wood could split as it dried. The carver would use a trunk and split it in half before forming the rough shape of the spoon in one of the halves.

If the young man succeeded in capturing the girl’s heart, then the spoon would be treasured and proudly displayed on one of the walls of their home, much as a wedding photograph would be today. It is quite possible, that a popular girl would receive several spoons from would-be suitors; but it is unlikely that a youth would spend too much time and effort if he did not think he had a realistic chance of winning the girl. When a girl accepted the spoon, the young people would more than likely then embark on a relationship and be seen as a ‘couple’ by their community.

It must be remembered that the custom of ‘engaging’ and having a Wedding ceremony was not common in rural Wales until the end of the 18th century, and the majority of young couples would simply co-habit.

Today as well as being a gift of affection or a memento of a visit to Wales, Lovespoons are given for many special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, births, engagements, christenings, house warming and St. Valentine’s Day. Another great idea for your wedding favors – share your lovespoon with your guest in various forms.

Welsh Lovespoon Store

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So in honor of the Winter Games of 2014, I decided to dedicated today’s tradition exploration to center in the cultural root of Russian wedding. While we will certainly be coming back to the “innovative” side of modern Russia in an upcoming feature this week, let’s take a look back at some wedding day delights.

A traditional Russian wedding spans multiple days, normally 2, but can be spread out into more. Similar to a civil ceremony here in the West, Russian couples are required to conduct a civil ceremony at the ZAGS—department of registration of civil statuses, that is also responsible for registrations of births and deaths, divorces etc—to ensure the legality of their wedding, regardless of religious ceremony.

There are, of course, many traditions we can discuss, but I want to focus today on just one delightful tradition during the reception—don’t worry, others will make their way into the list in the future. Food and drink are a large part of a Russian wedding. It is said a Russian Wedding is an event where everybody must be drunk. No one will be surprised if people drink themselves to unconsciousness at the wedding – and many do. Having plenty of food is typical for any Russian function, and a wedding is no exception. If you have enough liquor and food, the wedding is basically ready.

Of course, we are custom here to plenty of food and drinks at our affairs, and paired with drinks are well written toasts (well at least a few, and a bunch of spontaneous ones). Unlike the simple toasts conducted in the West, by the best man, maid of honor, parents and perhaps the bride and groom, toasts at a Russian wedding are conducted by practically every guest. The night is orchestrated by the witnesses, as traditionally there is no best man or maid of honor. The witnesses continue running the reception, reading jokes and poems, and sometimes ask the new couple questions to make fun of them; eventually announce the toast itself: “Za molodykh!” (“For the newlywed!”). Witnesses encourage each guest to say the next toast, usually according to seating. A small lull of 5-10 minutes is permitted between toasts to allow guest to eat and talk and then the next guest gets up and says the toast.

While each guest offers their wishes to the new couple, the first toast is the most important and sets the tone for the one’s to follow. Here, we’ve arrived at the most popular and prominent Russian wedding tradition. For the first toast people usually drink Champagne, and after the first sip somebody says “Gor’ko!” (“Bitter!”); it means the vine is bitter. All guests together start to shout “Gor’ko! Gor’ko!” To make the vine sweet, the newlywed couple must kiss each other. They must stand up and kiss each other for as long as possible, and all the guests start counting “1, 2, 3, 4, 5…” while they are kissing. If the kiss does not satisfy the guest expectation, they can insist that the vine is still bitter, and request another kiss. This happens after almost every following toast, so the couple has lots of kissing during the wedding.

Western brides beware; I think it bitter wine might join the ranks of bells, clinking glasses and cheesy love songs! Pucker up to your new hubby for this new kissing trend! “Gor’ko, gor’ko, gor’ko!”

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Post tags: Gor'ko, kissing, Russian, toast, Za molodykh

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Yesterday I covered the less colorful side, but as I said before, I love, love love, color; so this imagination board was a ton of fun! And this makes two multicolored boards now – whoever would have thought!

Chairs inspired by First Nation Traditional Costume?

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Post tags: blue, green, inuit costume, Northern Lights, pink, purple, Vancouver Olympics, yellow

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(Couple, kaftan, mosaic table, bridesmaid, dragon fly hairpin, umbrellas, antler table, shoes, Inukshuk favor, red door)

While the images are beautiful, I cannot forget to share with you cultural knowledge within the boards. The rock formations, which you’ve seen on as the template for the Vancouver Olympic Games, draw their history from the aboriginal inhabitants of Canada. These people-like figures of rock are called Inukshuk. The Inukshuk, which means “likeness of person,” was first used by the Inuit People to mark trails, indicate caches of food, and locate nearby settlements as well as good places to hunt or fish. Most of the Canadian arctic is dominated year round by permafrost and only has a few natural landmarks which could be used for orientation, that’s why Inukshuk are used as directional marker.

The rock Inukshuk embodies the spirit and persistence of the Inuit who live and flourish in Northern Canada, one of the world harshest environments. Inukshuk’s represent strength, leadership and motivation. The Inukshuk makes a fantastic favor as a homage to the First Nation people of Canada.

(bride, First Nation logo, place setting, cakes, centerpiece, table numbers, Inukshuks, rock table setting, bridesmaids, flowers, shoe, bride)

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Post tags: antlers, black, brown, inuit, Inukshuk favor, kaftan, mosaic, neutral, red, rock place setting, tan

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Jack Poole, the Vancouver Olympic Committee Board Chairman, said “If it hadn’t been for the full support of the Four Host First Nations in our bid, we likely wouldn’t be talking about Vancouver 2010 today.” So of course the four Host First Nations — a group that represents the four bands whose traditional lands are home to the Vancouver Olympics — were asked to play a prominent part in the opening ceremony on Friday. And more inspiration will follow from that this week!

SO, in the custom of Tradition Tuesday, I researched wedding customs of the Four Host First Nation, or aboriginals of Canada. There are so many original tribes, and similar to the Native American’s of The United State, many traditions cross multiple groups. Here is just the tip of the tundra . . .

Marriage customs involved the groom arriving at the bride’s home at daybreak. He sat at the entrance to the house and was wrapped in a blanket with only his face exposed. The bride’s family ignored him and proceeded with their daily routine. This ritual continued for three days. On the third day, if the bride’s father approved of the match he invited the groom to breakfast. The groom’s father is informed and the wedding ceremony was planned.

Winter was the season for religious ceremonies and celebrations. Religious mediums or shamans performed several rites, including magic against enemies. Both men and women served as shamans, acting in the capacity of spiritual intermediaries and healers. Illness was attributed to wandering souls or to foreign intrusions by an evil spirit. The skill of the shaman depended on his or her ability to rid the sick person of the evil spirit. The shaman presided over periodic fasts that required the participant to abstain from sexual relations and to scrub him or herself with branches in a cleansing ritual. Guardian spirits were prominent and were acquired by individuals during this period of fasting.

Understanding the People

Most First Nations people believe there is a Great Spirit in the universe. This spirit is the source of all life and is embodied in everything. The earth is the Mother of all spirits. The First Nations traditions and culture are greatly influenced by nature.

Here are a few common wedding traditions:

Marriage Requirements
- Pipe Carrier (officiate) determines the responsibilities the couple must perform.
- The bride and groom choose four sponsors. Sponsors – Elders who are well respected and give marital and spiritual guidance to the couple throughout their lives.
- Everyone is invited by word of mouth.
- Bride’s family must make handmade gifts for guests. Gift depends on their talents.

Ceremony

- Ceremonies are preferably outside.
- Water is used as a symbol of purification and cleansing. The bride and groom have a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past evils and memories of past loves.
- Their commitment is to the Creator. There’s no divorce; if they separate they are still one in the eyes of the Great Spirit.
- Each person makes a declaration they choose to be known as husband and wife, then they smoke from the pipe.
- At the ceremony, the sponsors make a commitment to help the couple.

Wedding Attire

- The bride and groom add rabbit leathers and personal adornments to their traditional skinned attire.
- The bride will wash herself in a body of water (lake, river, ocean, or pond) the morning of her union in order to be blessed by the spirit of the Earth.

Feasting/ Dance

- The food feasted on is indigenous to the location; squirrel, venison, bison, beaver, squash, beans, maize, berries and other fruit.
- The food is blessed symbolizing a happy life together.
- Music is often played by the men. Instruments are water drums, gourd rattles, flutes and whistle

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Post tags: Aboriginal, Canadian, First Nation, indian, Vancouver Olympics

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