Vietnam
Most Vietnamese are Mahayana Buddhists. Wedding dates are set by an astrologer. The morning of the event, the groom's mother brings the bride pink chalk (symbolizing a rosy future) and betel nuts. There are two separate ceremonies, first at the bride's home, then at the groom's. The groom travels to the bride's home with his relatives, who carry lacquered leather trunks lined with pink satin, filled with gifts of clothes, jewelry and money. (His mother does not accompany him to show she wishes no competition with her daughter-in-law.) The groom presents an "entrance fee" in a red envelope then lays his gifts before the bride's ancestors' altar. The couple kneels before the altar while her parents present them to her ancestors for approval. The group moves to the groom's home, where the bride must step over burning coals to banish evil spirits before entering. While tea is served to guests, the couple repeats the altar ceremony for the groom's ancestors. Afterwards, a separate wedding altar is set up facing south, and cooked rice (stained red), a boiled chicken and incense are laid before it. The groom's parents bow and invite an officiant forward, who asks the gods of marriage to bless the couple. He binds them with a red thread and wraps it around the altar. The couple is considered married and all celebrate by eating rice and chicken.
Wales
The Welsh bride traditionally gives her bridesmaids cuttings of myrtle, sometimes as their bouquets. If the plant sprouts roots and blossoms, it is said that she may be the next to marry. Welsh guests used to have a tradition of bringing provisions or money to help the couple get a good start. Bidding papers were usually sent to friends, inviting them to the feast, which was normally held in the bride's home. After the wedding, the first guest who arrived home with news of the marriage won a pint of ale. Hiding the bride from the groom was also popular -- only after he found her could the festivities begin.
West Africa
In Africa, marriage is a bond between two families, not just the bride and groom, and any marriage that does not involve family is not accepted. Wedding traditions vary among the different countries and tribes, however, in most of Africa, the three major customs included are knocking, asking and taking.
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