In Indian culture, the bride wears a saree or lehenga, often in bright colors like red. There are elaborate pre - wedding ceremonies. Henna is applied on the bride's hands and feet in intricate designs. The wedding ceremony itself involves many religious rituals. For example, the couple exchanges garlands as a symbol of acceptance of each other.
In Western cultures, young brides may focus more on the wedding planning process itself. They might be concerned with choosing the perfect dress, the right venue, and creating a memorable wedding day. This can be a stressful but also exciting time as they work to bring their vision to life.
In Native American cultures, there are oral traditions of passing down stories from generation to generation. These stories often contain important lessons about nature, family, and survival. For example, the story of how the buffalo came to be an important part of their life is passed through oral storytelling.
In certain African cultures, a bride may have specific pre - wedding rituals. For instance, she might go through a purification ceremony. And in some Middle Eastern cultures, a bride is often expected to be chaste until marriage. Any deviation from this expectation can bring shame to the family. So, these cultural norms regarding brides vary widely across different regions and ethnic groups.
One common tradition is that Indian grandmothers often perform puja (religious worship) at home. They light incense and offer prayers to the deities. Another is that they are in charge of passing down traditional family jewelry, which holds great sentimental and cultural value. For example, a grandmother might give a special gold bangle to her granddaughter on her wedding day.
In Middle Eastern cultures, the bride may have a henna night. It is a celebration filled with music, dancing, and the application of henna. Another tradition is the dowry system in some parts of the world, where the bride's family gives gifts or money to the groom's family. However, in modern times, this is changing in many places. Also, in Hispanic cultures, the bride often has a quinceañera - like celebration for her wedding, with lots of dancing and colorful dresses.
There are also fictional stories where the concept of a boy bride is used to explore themes like equality and breaking gender norms. A story could be about a society where boys can take on the role of brides in a marriage - like union, not in an erotic sense, but to show that love and partnership can be defined in different ways. It challenges the traditional view of marriage and gender roles in a positive and thought - provoking way.
In Italy, there's a tradition of the 'Urna dei Befana'. The Befana is an old woman who, on the night of January 5th (Epiphany Eve), brings gifts to children. She is said to be a witch - like figure who rides a broomstick. It's quite different from the typical Santa Claus we know in other cultures. She fills children's stockings with candies and small gifts if they've been good, and coal or onions if they've been bad.
In some historical Islamic cultures where polygamy was practiced, the wedding night of a third wife would follow religious and cultural norms. It would typically start with the couple praying together, seeking blessings from Allah. Then, there would be a private time for the couple to get to know each other better. The family would also ensure that the new wife is made to feel welcome and comfortable in her new home.
In Western cultures, the bride wearing a white dress is a very popular tradition, symbolizing purity. The exchange of rings during the ceremony is also common. In some Asian cultures, like in China, the tea ceremony is an important part. The couple serves tea to their parents and elders, showing respect. In Indian weddings, there are elaborate pre - wedding rituals such as the mehndi ceremony where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with henna.
In some cultures, premarital sex is considered a major taboo. For example, in many traditional religious communities, it goes against the moral teachings. Another common taboo is incest, which is prohibited almost everywhere in the world due to genetic and ethical reasons. Also, public display of sexual acts is highly unacceptable in most cultures as it violates the norms of public decency.