Wedding Traditions Of The Oceana’s

Wedding traditions in the area of the world known as the Oceana region, which includes

Australia and New Zealand, are no different than any other country when it comes to their

wedding traditions. For many outsiders to this region, Australia and New Zealand are known for

their differences, such as the kangaroo, koala bear and the platypus. However, as you can see,

other than the Maori influence, this Oceana region of the world falls right in line with the rest of

the world and the bottom line for marriage, love.

Australia

Australia’ s many wedding traditions have been formed and followed from generation to

generation. In Australia, weddings have a proper way of being done and is expected to be

followed. In fact, much of life is also ‘ codified’ to a way of living down under.

– As part of a long standing tradition in Australia is the handing down of a family bible. Often

these bibles have been through many generations and are considered to be a family heirloom.

– Much of Australia’ s traditions come from England, as Australia was once ruled by England.

However, it is also not uncommon to have ceremonies to be that of Irish or Scottish decent.

– Although most Australian weddings are entrenched in church weddings, statistics are now

showing more and more ceremonies are now taking place outside the church.

– Tradition shows that weddings will include all of the bride and groom’ s family members.

Despite a wedding having its normal stresses, having the entire family can cause undue stress as

well. However, a wedding usually will trump family problems and those issues are set aside to

make this day a special one for the new couple.

– Australian weddings may include various traditions of other cultures, such as: the Greek’ s

linking ribbon coronets, which the bride will wear; India’ s horseback arrival carrying the groom

to the church; the Jewish drinking glass being stomped on; as well as sugared almonds that are

handed out to all the guests, which can be seen in many ceremonies throughout the world. In

addition to the almonds, raw nuts may also be given to wedding guests.

– Almonds and nuts generally symbolize fertility, but in some countries, such as Italy, it

represents good luck.

– A wedding reception in Australia is filled with a variety of music. It can range from the

Scottish bagpipes to traditional England to the United States brands of reception music. It may

also include the Aboriginal didgeridoo melodies.

– During the toasting at the reception, the best man has the duty of reading out to the audience

any letters, cards or other forms of written well-wishes on behalf of those who could not attend.

Often these messages are done playfully.

– At the reception, often ‘ I still call Australia Home’ and ‘ Waltzing Matilda’ will be played and

accompanied by singing and dancing.

– A good cake at your reception is the Lamington, which includes coconut on the outside, while

remaining light and tasty.

– Much like other countries, the new couple’ s car is often decorated. However in Australia it is

common to include a Barbie Doll dangling from the car and often adorned in the clothing in the

same manner as the bridesmaids.

New Zealand

– Old tradition has much of New Zealand’ s weddings taking place in a lavish church setting.

– A New Zealand wedding may take on many traditional aspects of the Maori customs; Maorians

are New Zealand’ s native people.

– Ceremonies that have the Maori influence often include the ‘ infinity loops’ . These loops are

placed over the necks of the couple, representing a never ending love; much like the wedding

ring.

– Another Maorian tradition is the warrior challenge and may also include the welcoming of the

new couple in a ceremony known as ‘ Powhiri’ .

– Despite the traditional church setting that New Zealand has been known for, New Zealand has

taken to more modern methods to marriage locations much like Australia. They may still decide

to go with the traditional church wedding, or now they also have the option of a civil wedding or

a registry office wedding.

– A civil wedding is often a private ceremony. It may take place in many other locations outside

the church setting. Perhaps the ceremony can take place at a park, or beach, or even at a home. In

any event, the setting may be different but the results are still the same.

– A registry office wedding is simply done at a government office, usually where the public

records are held at. It is short and to the point without the pomp and circumstance.