Norwegian wedding
traditions and customs
Norway is a wonderful
country rich in custom and traditions. It is also beautiful
with snow capped mountains, fjords, and many lakes. It is
no wonder that when many Norwegians emigrated to the United
states during the 1800s that they settled in Minnesota.
Well, actually it was that land cost about $1.25 per acre
when purchased from the government. This was very appealing
and provided great opportunities for the Norwegian pioneers
willing to make the trip.
Traditionally the groom
will wear what's called a bundas, which is a hand made
woolen suit. The bundas will usually include a white silk
shirt, short pants, stockings that come up to the calf, and
a vest and topcoat. It would be elaborately embroidered.
The groomsmen and best man will where similar clothes. The
bride would wear a white or silver wedding gown along with
a gold or silver crown. Usually the crown would be
decorated with small metal bangles which would tinkle when
she moved. It is said that the sound would scare of evil
spirits. Todays bride may want to simply wear a smaller
version of the crown and still pay honor to the tradition.
It is also said that bridesmaids dressed similarly (but not
the same) as the bride could confuse evil spirits and help
protect her as well.
There might be an individual designated the bedamann
("bidding man") who would be responsible for going from
house to house inviting guests and relaying details of the
upcoming festivities. The couple would send out home made
invitations with him and many would end up being framed.
The modern version of the bedamann is obviously the
internet and a website. But the tradition can still exist
:)
At the conclusion of the ceremony the bride and groom will
exchange wedding bands. They will also kiss which seals the
relationship between the newly married couple. The round
ring representing endless love with no beginning and no
end, the kiss symbolizing an exchange of a portion of their
souls. Additionally the newly married couple will be
escorted out of the church to the sound of an accordion.
A reception will follow where there will be many speeches
wishing the couple much happiness. Music and dancing is
also a central feature at the reception. The cake called
Brudlaupskling was made of bread and dates back to a time
when flour was rare on Norwegian farms. It was topped with
a mixture of cheese, cream, and syrup.
It is also tradition to plant two small fir trees on either
side of the couples door as a symbol of the children to
come.
