This post is all about Fun Facts About Getting Engaged From Around the World! Getting engaged is one of the most exciting events in a young couple’s life. Aside from the wedding day and having children, engagement is one of the most important milestones. When someone decides they want to spend the rest of their life with someone, there are many cultural traditions that will determine the next steps they take. Some parts of the world still give dowries, while others allow couples to easily elope without any family involvement. Not only do wedding traditions vary, but the process of getting engaged does as well.
In the United States, for instance, it’s common to purchase a diamond engagement ring or something like a moissanite engagement ring set. These rings signify that the lady is taken and is preparing to be wed.
There are many interesting engagement rituals in other parts of the world. Here are some fun facts about getting engaged that you may not have known.
Fun Facts About Getting Engaged From Around the World
Not Everyone Wears the Ring on the Same Finger
In the United States, wearing a ring on the left hand is the traditional location for engagement and wedding rings. Other countries like Great Britain and Canada also observe the same tradition. But in Russia and Germany, engagement rings are instead worn on the right hand. Celtic communities still wear a Claddagh ring to signify their marriage. This popular heart and hands designed ring has also become symbolic of Irish culture. Because of that, even unmarried people wear this ring.
In Thailand, Some People Get Engaged and Married the Same Day
For many reasons, traditional Thais will get engaged and married on the same day. The day will start with a processional ceremony that incorporates music and rituals to help a man prove his worth to marry the intended woman. When he arrives at her home, the wedding ceremony begins, and they are wed by the end of the day.
Filipino Men Must Prove Their Worth
In the Philippines, men need to ask for the woman’s hand in marriage. Before he can do this, he first has to go through testing to prove he is worthy. Family members can interview him and ask very personal questions. He may be required to make repairs to his in-law’s home or show that he knows how to clean the house. Only after he has passed through a gauntlet of tests can he even ask to marry the woman.
Expect Grandiose Dinners in Poland
Couples in Poland host parties starting with their engagement. This is usually a very lavish dinner with many guests. This formal dinner is only one of many expenses on the road to marriage. The engagement dinner may include just a small gathering with immediate family members, or it could be a very large party with extended family and friends as well. Additionally, the couple is expected to hand out invitations to their potential guests in person.
People in Singapore and New Zealand Don’t Prefer Diamonds
While Americans and some Europeans think of diamonds when they think of engagement, in Singapore and New Zealand they are more likely to look for sapphire engagement rings. If you love diamonds, you can get beautiful rings from all over the world. You can also find lab-created diamonds and other options as well. There are other beautiful gemstones that make unique engagement rings, so don’t limit yourself if you don’t love diamonds as much as something like a sapphire.
Australians Love Their Engagement Parties
Formal dinners are very common for the families of the bride and groom to celebrate the coming wedding and marriage. It’s a great way for people to connect and celebrate. In Australia, these dinners used to be very formal with some being almost as lavish as a wedding itself. Recent years have led to newer trends and informal backyard parties are starting to replace the trend of fancy dinners. These informal parties can also include guests beyond the immediate family because they are more cost-effective.
Engagement Photography
Do you have photos of your engagement? Not just after the engagement, but of the proposal itself? These types of non-wedding day photos are rising in popularity. Couples want to document everything from the moment they said yes, to the special day itself. This helps them remember all the emotions and moments that start to get a little fuzzy as they age. Engagement photography is popular in the US, Canada, Australia, and even Japan.
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