When we think about getting engaged, most of us here in New York City assume our partner will get down on one knee and ask us for our hand in marriage. As common as this practice is, there are actually a lot of different proposal practices around the world for different cultures. I have done some research and uncovered some very interesting traditions from cultures around the world.
Let’s start off with our tour around the globe in China. In cultures in the eastern world it is common for families to use a matchmaker. In the region of Duar, China this is how they find a match for their children. Once they have a matchmaker, they move on to a fortune teller. Not just one but three different fortune tellers. Each of them looking at the prospective engaged couple in all different aspects. They look at their name, birth dates, birth years, and birth times to see if they can live in harmony. Once these have been looked at by different people the families use six proofs, an abacus, a measuring vessel, a ruler, a pair of scissors, a set of scales, and a mirror. Once this has all been reviewed and approved to go forward with the engagement the final step is to consult the Chinese almanac. They use this tool to decide the prospective date in which the newly engaged couple will have their wedding. It seems like a lot of work and research for a proposal! Maybe more work than we do at Enchanting engagements, or the same amount!
Let’s travel to the continent of Africa and look at Kenya! The Rendille tribe has a very vibrant culture which also take prominent place in their proposal process as well. In their tribe the parents are responsible for picking a suitable partner for an engagement, they also have to be from outside of their clan. In their culture the women are often adorned with large necklaces filled with bright beads, this also becomes an integral part of the proposal. When a man has been chosen for a potential bride, they will send over a set of beads. This is an often bright colored necklace and if the bride accepts the gift, the nuptials will proceed. I found this to be such an interesting way to choose a wife. I like how they incorporated their tradition into the process and the kind of gift that is used! We can include many mementos special to you and your love story at Enchanting Engagements.
For our final dive into another cultures engagement traditions we travel over to Fiji! Fiji has one of the more interesting traditions for engagements that I was not expecting. In Fiji to show their love beyond the proposal, they present the bride’s family with a whale tooth, referred to as tabuas! I’m not sure how most people would feel about this, but in Fiji it is quite an honor to receive it. The whale tooth is associated with good luck, as well as supernatural powers! These precious engagement gifts are very rare and can reach up to a thousand dollars.
When a family receives this after asking the family if they can propose it’s an indicator of their wealth and is very well respected.
At Enchanting Engagements, you can create your own tradition with us. Our team is creative and will make the moment a memory of a lifetime. Book with us now!
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