Blackening the Bride

     Every wedding celebration has to have a few pre-wedding rituals to get things started. Some are a bit more odd than others, of course. In Scotland for example, the usual bridal showers that we have in America aren't customary. Instead, Scottish brides are put through a far more unorthodox agenda.

     The day before a Scottish woman's wedding, she is taken out by her friends and family. During such an outing, she is taken by surprise and covered with all sorts of foul substances at some point. These substances include eggs, feathers, and various sauces. Afterwards, she is taken around town for all to see. In the end, it's clear that pre-wedding rituals can vary wildly, yet they all involve a great deal of laughs and fun.

By Julia Dankov

Poor Scottish Grooms

     Weddings are usually very elegant, luxurious events. Long white gowns and sleek black suits are worn, exquisite flowers and other decorations are arranged, classic music is played, and so on. Pre-wedding events however, aren't quite so. The Scots know this well.

     A few days before a Scottish couples' wedding, the groom is taken out by his friends. During this outing, the grooms is ridiculed at the hands of his friends in extremely public places, such as restaurants, clubs, etc. The groom is sometimes dressed up in a padded outfit to resemble a pregnant woman, and other times is the victim of silly practical jokes. By the end of the night, all the men are heavily intoxicated. In this state, and stripped of all his clothing, the groom is dropped off in front of his house by his friends. Most wouldn't consider this a very pleasant way to end a night, but the Scots would beg to differ. At least they sure know how to throw a quite unique bachelors party!

By Julia Dankov