Scotland
In Scotland, the mother of the bride usually holds a show of presents, a perfect excuse for a tea in which guests and family can become acquainted before the wedding. Scottish wedding rings are often gold Celtic knot work designs. The traditional wedding procession is large and merry, usually led by bagpipers. Everyone gathers around to wash the bride's feet, and the first to find a ring in the tub is believed to be the next to marry. Outdoor dancing and feasting lasts throughout the evening, often with ceilidh bands, and almost always with the traditional Shamit Reel. Superstitions about fairies and magic have created unusual traditions, such as the banning of the color green from weddings.
Senegal
Senegal wedding traditions vary along with religious beliefs, usually Muslim or Christian, and both civil and religious ceremonies are performed. Among the Mlomp, the groom traditionally gave the bride's parents a gift of palm wine before the wedding, as part of a brideprice. Traditionally, the bride wears white to represent her purity, and gold to represent her value.
Slovakia
Traditionally, the Slovakian bride and groom wear rich, colorful embroidered folk dress called kroje, the bride's vest often sparkling with beads or sequins to protect her from evil spirits. She might also wear the traditional floral bridal wreath upon her head. Other traditions include a capping ceremony for the bride, signifying her new married status; a wide-brimmed shepherd's hat for the groom; lively Slovakian folk songs and dances; and lastly, the groom throwing his new bride over his shoulder to carry her away from the wedding.
South Africa
The various ethnic groups of South Africa (Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho) have in common the payment of a lobola, or bride price. Tribal weddings unite two families, not two individuals. This was once cattle, but is now more likely to be money. Most young men and women must undergo a rite of passage before they are allowed to marry. For women, this often involves a period of seclusion in which they receive marriage advice from older women. At wedding feasts, home-brewed beer and meat are served and families' ancestors are paid reverence to. Among the Ndebele tribe, the women create elaborately colorful beaded garments and jewelry for weddings.
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