9 Delicious Wedding Traditions from Around the Globe
Updated: Jun. 06, 2022Weddings are a momentous occasion across the globe. While many cultures share in common a beautiful declaration of love, every wedding is different, and every country celebrates in a unique way. Check out these delicious traditions.
Marriage is a shared declaration of love and unity. No matter where you are in the world, this celebration of life and partnership is a momentous occasion. Despite some similarities in tradition, each country across the globe varies on the foods they enjoy on the big day. Check out these treats and see how your layer cake stacks up.
Croquembouche in France
There’s nothing more decadent than a tower of cream puffs held together by caramelized sugar. Croquembouche is France’s version of a traditional wedding cake, and it is a truly luxurious indulgence. The structure is modeled after the Eiffel Tower. Say oui to these other French recipes.
Kransekake in Norway
This traditional ring cake hails from Norway, and is a staple at most Nordic celebrations. The cake itself is made from a dough of ground almonds, egg whites and sugar. The dough is then molded into rings of varying sizes, which are then stacked on top of each other to form a cone-like shape. The cake is soft, sweet and sturdy and is meant to be enjoyed at weddings, baptisms, New Year’s parties and more.
Yak Shik in Korea
Yak shik is a sweet Korean dish made from glutinous rice stuffed with chestnuts, dates and pine nuts. The fruits and nuts in the rice symbolize children, and this sweet and sticky treat is a ceremonious addition to every traditional Korean wedding. Even if you can’t get your hands on yak shik, try these Korean-inspired recipes instead.
Koufeta in Greece
Sugar-coated almonds (koufeta) are the classic Greek wedding favor. The candies are packaged in odd numbers to symbolize the unbreakable bond of a wedding, because odd numbers cannot be divided. The sugary treats ensure that the couple’s forthcoming life together will always be sweet.
Pitka Bread in Bulgaria
At a Bulgarian wedding, guests indulge in a beautiful loaf of pitka bread, breaking off pieces of the bread and dipping them in honey. Says Instagrammer Dessi Price, the bread represents “always having food on the table and the honey is for having sweetness in life.” And the marriage to come, we hope!
Hochzeitssuppe in Germany
You may have heard of Italian wedding soup, but we bet you’ve never heard of its German equivalent. This clear broth is fortified with chicken meat, small meatballs, egg noodles and egg custard. It’s a bit time-consuming to make, so it’s most often saved for special occasions and weddings.
San San Kudo in Japan
San san kudo is one of the most widely respected wedding traditions in Japan. A ritual that consists of the bride and groom taking turns sipping sake from varying sized cups stacked on top of each other, this tradition is both religious and symbolic. This moment seals the marriage and officially cements the bride and groom’s union.
Pyebaek in Korea
Another Korean wedding tradition, pyebaek is typically held a few days after the ceremony and is specifically for the bride and groom’s parents and closest family members. The elder couple shares marital wisdom while the younger couple gifts them with dates and chestnuts. The fruits are then tossed back at the bride, which she catches with her skirt. The number of dates she catches symbolizes the amount of children the couple will have.
