HOW MARRIAGE IS PROPOSED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Marriage proposals have evolved over time, becoming increasingly personal, intimate, and creative moments. However, in many parts of the world, this step toward commitment is still deeply tied to family and cultural traditions. From symbolic rituals to the giving of special gifts or parental blessings, each culture brings its own meaning to this important event. Discover how different countries celebrate this unique moment.

France

One of the most deeply rooted traditions is the exchange of an engagement ring, passed down from generation to generation. This jewel, often inherited from the groom's family, represents not only the couple's union but also the connection to family history. After accepting the proposal, the couple can choose to keep the original design or adapt it to their style, always with the family's approval. In some cases, only the gemstone is inherited, allowing the couple to choose a modern setting that combines tradition and personality.

Japan

In Japan, the formalization of the engagement is celebrated through yuino , an intimate ceremony in which the bride and groom's families gather to exchange nine gifts wrapped in rice paper. Each gift has a special meaning, representing wishes for happiness, prosperity, and harmony for the future union. These gifts often include ema tablets , small wooden plaques on which wishes for fertility and success in marriage are written.

Bolivia

In Bolivia's indigenous communities, courtship was a game of complicity and laughter. Men would throw small stones or seeds at the young woman they were interested in, seeking to capture her attention and make her smile. If she reciprocated by holding his poncho during the day in the fields, the community understood the feeling was mutual and initiated the japitukuy , a public declaration of love. But the engagement didn't end there: the groom and his family had to visit the bride's parents to demonstrate his qualities and convince them he was a good match. Only when the bride's father accepted a gift or toasted with a glass of liquor was the marriage officially approved.

Guatemala

In this country, custom dictates that the groom must formally request permission from the bride's parents to marry her. This involves organizing a full-blown celebration, with the groom's family organizing food basket parades, special dinners, and traditional dances. These displays of respect and generosity not only seek the approval of the future in-laws but also strengthen the bond between the two families, marking the beginning of a commitment based on unity and coexistence.

Russia

In Russia, a marriage proposal is an intimate, family affair, where both families gather to get to know each other and give their approval to the union. Traditionally, this proposal took place during a formal dinner, where a contract with the wedding date was even signed, ensuring the commitment between both parties.

Argentina

In Argentina, the proposal was usually a formal ceremony in which the groom sent an "ambassador"—a father, relative, or close friend—to make the official request to the bride's family. This request was addressed to the person responsible for the woman at the time, whether her father, mother, guardian, or older brother. If the bride accepted, the couple would organize a religious ceremony in the church, where a priest would bless the rings as a symbol of their commitment.

United Arab Emirates

Here, the proposal is a process deeply rooted in tradition and must follow a rigorous protocol. It all begins when the groom informs his mother of his intentions, who then visits the bride's family to formalize the proposal. If the proposal is accepted, the two families negotiate the dowry, an essential element that covers the wedding planning and the purchase of jewelry. These pieces, chosen by the bride and her mother, are notable for their opulence and symbolize the prosperity of the marriage.

India

In Indian tradition, engagement is not just an agreement between two people, but a union between families. Before the wedding, there is a mangni or nischitartham celebration , an event in which the families of both bride and groom gather to perform symbolic rituals and formalize the union with an exchange of vows and blessings. As part of this celebration, the bride often decorates her hands and feet with mehndi or henna, an ancient art that symbolizes love, prosperity, and happiness in marriage. These temporary tattoos, applied days before the wedding, represent the beauty and good fortune that will accompany the couple in their new life together.