Interesting Wedding Traditions: Shoe Stealing
Source: TGK Designs
In a culture known for its bold and vibrant foods and clothing, it makes sense that its various wedding traditions would be just as rich and off-the-wall. With roots stemming from the romance of Radha and Krishna, India’s shoe-stealing ritual is truly a sight to behold.
Source: Blogspot
As is custom during the wedding ceremony, the groom must remove his shoes when exchanging vows. It is at this precise moment that the bride’s sisters and cousins–perhaps in a symbolic assertion of their honor–engage in the art of slipper snatching. Often employing the outlandish while procuring and hiding the groom’s apparel, the bride’s family is met with another challenge: getting the shoes away from the groom’s family, whose goal is to protect them. Typically, the bride’s family is successful, and upon the conclusion of the nuptials, the shoeless groom must beg the bride’s family–often in the form of money or favors–for the return of his shoes.
While many correctly view the shoe-stealing ritual as a lighthearted prank, the Indian custom is also a non-traditional way to bring otherwise isolated families together and foster amity among the now united community.
If you enjoyed reading about the world’s most interesting wedding traditions, be sure to read our articles on the most bizarre festivals and the interesting history of masquerade balls!
