Photographer: Vivian Chen
http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2014/03/12/diy-california-chinese-cultural-wedding/
We have been talking and learning about weddings celebrated in other countries, with cultures very different from ours and that you can bring you so you can immerse into their traditions. Today we will learn about Japanese weddings, which ceremonies are full of tradition even if they have been very influenced by the Western lately.
In Japan, you may see Christian, Buddhist, Shinto and non-religious weddings. In addition, the couple may choose a style of ceremony without being part of their religion.
When you receive the invitation for a Japanese wedding, the recipient must return it with an answer. Also, you have to take cash with you so you can give it to them as a gift in a special envelope called “Shugi-bukuro” with your name written on the front. The amount for the gift will depend on the relationship you have with the couple. Just take into account that the amount must always start with an odd number because when the Japanese marry, they are looking forward union and not dividing anything between two.
The bride and groom’s gowns are very traditional. The bride wears the “shiramuko” which is a white silk kimono. The most appealing detail is that they cover they head with a circular hat called “tsuno-kakushi” which purpose is to cover the horns (jealousy) to her mother-in-law and future mother. Really traditional brides will also paint their faces white to symbolize virginity and purity. Once they are married, the bride usually changes her costume to celebrate. They usually use red because it is a good luck color. The groom carries a “montsuki” which is black kimono. They also change for the celebration by wearing a gray kimono or a black Western suit.Watch Full Movie Online Streaming Online and Download
The wedding are held in a temple called “Shinto”. Guests and family are to enter first, followed by the bride who enters taking her mother’s hand and leaves by taking her mother-in-law’s hand. After that, the groom enters taking his father’s hand. Finally, the Shinto priest enters lastly. The ceremony take approximately 20 minutes. It begins with a prayer in classical Japanese, then the couple exchanges the “Juzu” which is a type of old rosary and then exchange the rings.
The most important part of the ceremony is when they drink the “San San Kudu,” which means Three-Three-Nine and represents heaven, earth and man. This act symbolizes union of the couple and the gods. They use three cups called “sakazuki” and drink in three sips. Number nine is three times number three, which is a sacred number meant to bring happiness to the couple.
After the ceremony, all the guests and family members walk, in procession following the couple for the family photos. Now is when the bride takes off her hat. Japanese do not usually have physical contact or displays of affection in public, for you to take into consideration.
We have been visiting different cultures for the last weeks so you know more about how wedding traditions are in other places of the world and in case you want to theme your wedding based on a culture. This week, it is the turn of gypsies. Gipsy weddings are unique, full of color, celebration and fun, let’s learn more about them.
First of all, you should know that if the bride is not a virgin, she cannot get married unless she finds a man who is not married and wants to marry her despite that. To determine if the bride is a virgin, she has to pass the “test of the handkerchief” which consists of getting the bride into a private room and extract blood from her hymen. The “ajuntaora” uses a handkerchief and it must show three roses to prove her virginity, otherwise, the girl cannot get married. Once they pass the test, the wedding celebration starts. All guests will break their shirts to show joy. The couple will be raised over shoulders and everyone will throw caramelized almonds while singing.
The wedding dress is actually two dresses. One is pink and goes under representing femininity and the other one, white, represents purity. The dress must always be new and purchased by the bride’s father. The groom wears a conventional suit.
Usually the religious ceremony is Christian; however, some gypsies are married at the Roma rite and by the Catholic or evangelistic church while others are just married by the Roma rite. The bridesmaid and best man are usually the same of baptism and some other times, uncles. The pastor usually invites the “church’s elderly man” who, out loud, recites a mix of prayers and petitions for the couple.
Gypsy weddings usually last for several days and they have a huge feast. This may also vary from the region where the gypsies are settled. The gypsy wedding ceremony is all full with hymns or spiritual songs played by guitars and other instruments. Everybody sings in unison so it is basically a chorus coordinated by a director. They are always sung in groups, preventing them individually. So they enjoy a chorus that will be coordinated by a director.
Getting ready for the wedding does not only involve choosing the perfect dress and a gorgeous hairstyle. Makeup is fundamental for a perfect look and more importantly, preparing your face days before the Day. If you want to do your own make up and preparation, we have prepared a list of steps and tricks you may follow to make an impact with your perfect face.
It is vital to try your make up several times before your wedding: trial and error will lead you to perfection. The day of the wedding, bring your make up kit with you to take care of any unexpected imperfection. The most important, enjoy and feel beautiful and confident. You will shine!