Australian Marriage Traditions

Oceania basically refers to New Zealand and Australia, two of the liveliest countries full of excitements and attractions. Both Australia and New Zealand are British Commonwealth members. Many of the Oceania traditions of marriage are borrowed from Great Britain. With the stately traditions of Great Britain the wedding traditions of Oceania are colored with local colors and different flavors.

The Oceania traditions of marriage differ according to different lands. Australian marriage traditions are different from marriage traditions of New Zealand.

New Zealand has many luxirious marriage traditions. The marriage is held in the church replete with a bride wearing a white gown and bridesmaid dressed in nice dresses. The groom in New Zealand wears dark coat, white shirt and dark pants. The groom is assisted by his best man and the groomsmen. If the groom sees his bride before she walks down the aisle on the wedding day, it is believed to be bad luck in New Zealand. New Zealand marriage customs have incorporated many Maori customs. Being the native people of New Zealand, Maori have some great traditions and customs.

Australian Marriage Traditions

Australian wedding is splendid. The color of the dress in Australian wedding is white traditionally. White is the symbol of future joy and hope. In Australia, traditionally a keepsake Bible is gifted to the groom and bride. These marriage Bibles are treated as treasures and as family heirlooms, and travel from generation to generation.

As Australia is a British Commonwealth member, Australian marriages have many customs of Great Britain marriage traditions. Irish and Scottish weddings are also performed in Australia. The aboriginal customs of Australia make Australian marriages colorful and different. At the end of marriage ceremony in Australia, rings are exchanged. As in the world, the circular ring symbolizes the un-ending bond of love.

Music is an integral part of Australian wedding. Wide range of music is played in Australian weddings including bagpipes, American music and tradition English music. Aboriginal didgeridoo is also played in Australian wedding.

Maori Marriage Traditions

In Maori wedding traditions, the groom and the bride are welcomed with ceremony, known as Powhiri. This welcome often is inclusive of the traditional warrior challenge. After the marriage is conducted, the couple is blessed by a Maori Tribal leader. Maori flavored Oceania marriage traditions have “infinity loops”, which are placed around the necks of the groom and the bride, a symbol of their never-ending love.

Whatever are the marriage rituals and traditions the marriage ceremony is the time of celebration and joy. Oceania has its unique marriage traditions and celebration of the auspicious bond. Explore the different marriage traditions of Oceania and enrich your knowledge of marriage traditions around the world.