Similarities and differences in Brazilian and North American Weddings
In Brazil, a wedding is a grand event celebrated with samba dancing, lots of color, loud music and delicious food. Because the nation is a lively mix of many different cultures, there is a vast array of wedding traditions, some of which are the same that we may see here in the United States. Not seeing each other before the wedding, wearing something new and blue are some of the most common features. Albeit, weddings in this tropical country certainly have their own flavor and spice.
In the United States, the pre-wedding begins with a proposal: The groom gets on his knee and opens a box containing an engagement ring signifying he wants to spend the rest of his life with his fiancé. Yet, in Brazil, there is a pre-wedding task that the man must accomplish in order to show his value and responsibility as a husband. Tradition has it that the groom has to tame an unruly donkey (called “Bumba-Meu-Boi) only after which, is he allowed to make a proposal to the daughter of the donkey owner. Newly engaged couples in Brazil also engage in large celebrations to mark the engagement.
In many countries, during a period of engagement, the bride wears a diamond ring on her left hand to signify that she is in a relationship. At the wedding ceremony, a bride will traditionally add a wedding band to this finger. Well, in Brazil, things are a bit different. The bride and groom both wear a gold band on their right hand which is inscribed with their wedding date. Next, at the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange these same inscribed wedding bands but place them on their left hands. The couple is careful not to drop the rings, for it is believed that if your rings drop, your marriage will not last.
The Wedding Plans
While an American bride can take months finding that perfect dress, it’s the opposite in Brazil. Tuxedos and dresses are difficult to find in the country, so you won’t be seeing a bride in a traditional white gown. Rather, anything formal goes for the big day. Most brides tend to rent their wedding dress but all brides wear gold shoes! In addition, you won’t find the groom wearing a boutonniere on his lapel, but rather a small Brazilian flag pin.
When it comes time for the big day, the bride gets dressed with something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. While a Brazilian bride will also take part in this tradition, she also has another custom to adhere to as well. We’ve seen it in the United States where during the reception the bride throws the bouquet and it’s said that whoever catches it is the next to get married. In Brazil, there’s a similar tradition with a new twist. The bride will write the names of unmarried friends onto scraps of paper and pin them to the inside hem of her dress. It’s believed that this will bring her pals good luck in the marriage department.
At the ceremony, there are no bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, guests in attendance who are married gather at the altar instead. Brides in Brazil must also be at least 10 minutes late to the ceremony. This tradition might have grooms in other countries getting a bit nervous when they don’t immediately see their bride walking down the aisle. But in Brazil, this is done simply because the bride cannot show up before the groom because it’s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony. In addition to any wedding music used, the national anthem is also played to commemorate a true Brazilian marriage.
After the wedding comes its everyone’s favorite part, the reception. Just as you would bring a gift for the bride and groom, it’s customary in Brazil to also bring a gift for both sets of parents to congratulate them on this momentous occasion. A quirky detail is that the reception tables are not numbered but are named after other cities in the country. Dancing is always a huge part of the reception. In Brazil you will see lots of samba dancing going on.
Wine is an integral part of a Brazilian wedding reception. There must be plenty of wine to go around because if it runs out, the parents of the newlyweds will have caused shame and embarrassment among family and friends. The end of the reception is signified by the consumption of the food …no doggy bags here for leftovers. Once the food is gone, guests leave. At each wedding, the flavor is the same. Guests receive cookies called “casadinhos” which stand for “marry well.” Throughout the reception the bride can also choose to walk from table to table carrying a basket full of lembrancinchas” which are little objects that often serve as a souvenir of the event. To end the evening, as in many countries, the groom should carry his newlywed bride in his arms and enter the room with his right foot first.
Although Brazilian weddings tend to be some of the most expensive in the world, all that matters in the end is that the newly wed couple lives happily ever after.
Like
no comments