Scandinavian Wedding Traditions By Amelia Ecevido

What am I looking for? Does the culture celebrate on one day or many days? The engagement may last three to four years. The ceremony though is one day. Is it a large party or a solemn gathering? It is a regular sized party. Like medium. Not a lot of people come. Just family and friends which could or could not be a lot.

What about food? Is there sumptuous feast or small foods that represent something? They have a regular feast. They have a traditional wedding cake. Also other foods they want. Do the bride and groom exchange foods at the ceremony? No, they do other traditions but not exchanging food.

Where do the ceremonies take place? The ceremonies usually take place inside. Except when the bride collects her gifts. What is the weather like in the region/country? The summer is weather is mild and warm. It usually stays cold all year. There are some weeks where it’s warm. Do you think that has any bearing on why the tradition is the way it is? No, I don’t think so. I think they could have some traditions outside if they pleased. I think people liked the traditions to be inside though. It probably made them go faster.

Is there traditional music or dance? There is a waltz. It is called the weaning waltz. The women start the waltz with the bride. The men with the groom. Children are also included. Each person dances only for a second with the bride and groom. The dances whole point was a test to see how quickly the bride and groom will ‘forget’ each other.

Similarities in two or more countries? Yes, it does. Finnish traditions are similar to the U.S. They both “tie the knot” as people say. The male usually proposes in both places. They both receive rings. The bride with a diamond one and the groom with a plain one. People also make speeches and toast after the wedding. They both have after wedding parties. For the most part they are similar in many ways.